Cafe Pasqual's Cilantro Rice

Transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Santa Fe with Cafe Pasqual's Cilantro Rice, a vibrant side dish packed with fresh, zesty flavors. This recipe transforms simple long-grain white rice into a culinary masterpiece with the bold addition of a cilantro puree, brightened by fresh lime juice. Tender sautéed onions and garlic add depth, while a touch of butter balances every bite with richness. Perfectly fluffy and aromatic, this cilantro rice pairs effortlessly with grilled meats, tacos, or as the foundation for burrito bowls. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, it's the ideal recipe for bringing a burst of Southwestern flair to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 bunch (about 1 cup packed) fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium white onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear and set it aside to drain.

Step 2

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Add the rice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir once and lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let cook for 15 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed.

Step 3

While the rice cooks, prepare the cilantro mixture. Thoroughly wash the cilantro and roughly chop the leaves. Place the cilantro into a blender or food processor with the lime juice and a small splash of water to create a thick puree. Set aside.

Step 4

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and saute for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.

Step 5

Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 6

Once the rice is done cooking, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir gently to combine.

Step 7

Pour the cilantro puree over the rice and fold it in evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Taste the rice and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice, if necessary.

Step 9

Serve warm as a side dish to grilled meats, tacos, or as a base for burrito bowls.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1676g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	947.0

Total Fat 39.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 2430.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 135.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.8g	0%
Total Sugars 7.7g
Protein 14.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 194.4mg	0%
Iron 7.1mg	0%
Potassium 711.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.3%

Protein: 6.0%

Carbs: 56.6%