Leighs Mexican Rice

Transform your dinner table with Leigh’s Mexican Rice, a vibrant and flavorful side dish that's as versatile as it is delicious! This easy-to-make recipe features fluffy long-grain white rice simmered to perfection in a savory blend of tomato sauce, chicken broth, and aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder. Finely diced onion and garlic add depth, while a colorful mix of peas and carrots brings balance and nutrition. The dish is finished with fresh cilantro and an optional zesty squeeze of lime for a fragrant, refreshing touch. Perfect for pairing with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats, Leigh’s Mexican Rice is a must-try addition to your Mexican-inspired meals. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an effortless way to elevate your weeknight dinners or family gatherings! Keywords: Mexican rice recipe, fluffy Mexican rice, easy side dish, Mexican-inspired recipes, seasoned rice with vegetables.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, for optional garnish

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures fluffy rice.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the rinsed rice and toast it in the oil for 3-4 minutes, stirring continually, until it becomes slightly golden.

Step 6

Add the water, chicken broth, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 8

After 15 minutes, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Cover the saucepan again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.

Step 9

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in fresh cilantro.

Step 11

Serve warm with a squeeze of lime juice for an optional zesty garnish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1588.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	797.7

Total Fat 34.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3392.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 104.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.9g	0%
Total Sugars 20.5g
Protein 20.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 215.9mg	0%
Iron 9.2mg	0%
Potassium 984.6mg	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: 38.0%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 52.0%