Vegetarian Mexican Rice

Elevate your mealtime with this vibrant and flavorful Vegetarian Mexican Rice—a one-pan dish that's as comforting as it is versatile. This recipe combines nutty long-grain white rice with bold spices like cumin and chili powder, all simmered in fragrant vegetable broth for maximum flavor. A medley of sautéed onions, garlic, and colorful bell peppers adds heartiness, while canned diced tomatoes lend a juicy, tangy depth. Finished with a refreshing burst of lime and fresh cilantro, this dish pairs perfectly as a side for classic Mexican-inspired meals or as the star of burritos, tacos, and bowls. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-make, gluten-free recipe is a must-try for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering an irresistible combination of hearty and fresh.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which can make the rice sticky. Drain well.

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper to the pan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pepper softens slightly.

Step 4

Stir in the rinsed rice, and cook for another 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice, stirring constantly.

Step 5

Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, ground cumin, chili powder, and salt to the pan. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.

Step 7

Remove the pan from the heat. Leave the lid on and let the rice sit for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish cooking through steam.

Step 8

Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.

Step 9

Serve hot as a side dish or use as a filling base for burritos, tacos, or as part of a vegetarian bowl.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1463.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	868.3

Total Fat 34.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4064.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 125.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.3g	0%
Total Sugars 25.3g
Protein 21.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 249.7mg	0%
Iron 10.8mg	0%
Potassium 2187.7mg	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: 34.8%

Protein: 9.4%

Carbs: 55.8%