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Easy Mexican Rice Recipe Kids Actually Like 5-Ingredient One-Pot Family Favorite

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A quick and simple 5-ingredient Mexican rice recipe that is a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters. This one-pot dish delivers comforting, flavorful rice with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (about 200g), rinsed
  • 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce, plain no-sugar-added
  • 1 ¾ cups (415ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
  2. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and toast, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until lightly golden and nutty.
  3. Add minced garlic and ground cumin to the rice. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce and broth. Stir gently to combine and season with salt.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Turn off heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. Remove lid and fluff rice with a fork. If rice is not tender or liquid remains, cover and cook a few more minutes.
  7. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving, if desired.

Notes

Toast the rice properly for best flavor and texture. Avoid lifting the lid during simmering to ensure even cooking. Adjust salt after cooking to taste. If rice dries out too fast, add a splash of broth or water and lower heat. For a spicy version, add chili powder, smoked paprika, or jalapeño with garlic.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican rice, easy rice recipe, one-pot rice, family favorite, kid-friendly, quick side dish, 5-ingredient recipe

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/easy-mexican-rice-recipe-kids-actually-like-5-ingredient-one-pot-family-favorite/