Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe Without Tomato Sauce

Mexican rice is a popular dish that is commonly served as a side dish or as an ingredient in burritos, tacos, and other Mexican dishes. Traditionally, this dish is made by simmering rice in a tomato-based sauce with plenty of spices and vegetables. However, if you’re looking for a healthier and tastier alternative, there are many ways to make Mexican rice without tomato sauce.

One of the simplest ways to make Mexican rice without tomato sauce is to use chicken or vegetable broth instead of the tomato base. This will give the rice a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with the traditional Mexican spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic. You can also add chopped onions, bell peppers, and jalapeño peppers to the rice for extra flavor and texture. Additionally, you can use brown rice instead of white rice to make the dish even healthier.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mexican Rice without Tomato Sauce

If you’re looking for an easy recipe to make Mexican rice without tomato sauce, you’re in luck! The good news is that you only need a few simple ingredients, and it won’t take long to whip up a delicious and flavorful dish.

1. White Rice

Firstly, you’ll need white rice to make a perfect Mexican rice. However, you can also use long-grain brown rice for a healthier version of Mexican rice.

2. Onion

Onion is a must-have ingredient for Mexican cuisine. It adds a sweet taste and a pungent aroma to your rice.

3. Garlic

Garlic is another essential ingredient that adds a depth of flavor and aroma to Mexican rice.

4. Bell Pepper

Bell pepper adds a subtle sweetness and crunchiness to your Mexican rice.

5. Cumin Powder

Cumin powder is a popular spice used in Mexican cuisine. It enhances the earthy and warm flavors of your rice.

6. Chili Powder

Chili powder gives a mild spice and smoky flavors to your Mexican rice.

7. Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is an excellent option to cook your rice instead of using tomato sauce. It adds a savory taste and aroma to your rice.

8. Salt

Salt is a critical ingredient to enhance the overall flavor of your Mexican rice.

9. Oil

You can use any vegetable oil, such as canola or sunflower oil, to cook your Mexican rice.

10. Cilantro

Cilantro is an optional ingredient that you can use to garnish your Mexican rice. It gives a fresh and aromatic taste to your rice.

Instructions to Make Mexican Rice without Tomato Sauce

Now that you have all the ingredients ready let’s get started with the cooking instructions.

1. Rinse the rice with cold water until water runs clear. This step will help remove excess starch from the rice.

2. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onions become translucent.

3. Add the bell pepper, chili powder, cumin powder, and salt to the saucepan and stir well.

4. Stir in the rice and mix it well with the spices and vegetables.

5. Pour chicken broth into the saucepan and stir the mixture well.

6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes.

7. Remove the saucepan from the heat, keep it covered, and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step will help the rice to absorb all the flavors and become fluffy.

8. Once the rice has settled, fluff it with a fork and stir in some cilantro if desired.

9. Your Mexican rice without tomato sauce is now ready to serve!

10. Serve it as a side dish with your favorite Mexican recipe or pair it with any grilled meat or vegetables for a complete meal.

In conclusion, making Mexican rice without tomato sauce is a simple yet flavorful process. All you need are a few ingredients, a saucepan, and some patience. With this easy recipe, you’ll have a delicious and healthy side dish ready in no time. Give it a try and enjoy the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine!

Ingredients Needed for Making Mexican Rice without Tomato Sauce

Making Mexican rice without tomato sauce is an excellent way to enjoy the dish even if you don’t have tomato sauce at home. So, before we delve into the recipe for preparing Mexican rice, let us first identify the ingredients needed.

1. Long-Grain Rice

Long-grain rice is the preferred type of rice to use when making Mexican rice without tomato sauce. This type of rice results in better texture and gives the rice a distinct flavor and aroma.

2. Chicken Stock

Another essential ingredient in making Mexican rice without tomato sauce is chicken stock. Chicken stock has a savory flavor, provides moisture to the rice, and helps in cooking the rice evenly.

3. Onion

Onion is a key ingredient in Mexican cuisine. Chopped onions provide a sweet taste and a crunchy texture to the dish.

4. Garlic

Garlic has a distinct flavor and aroma that can enhance the taste of Mexican rice when added to the mix.

5. Cumin

Cumin is a fragrant spice that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It adds an earthy taste to the rice and gives the dish a distinctive flavor.

6. Paprika

Paprika is a crucial ingredient that adds a touch of color to the Mexican rice dish while providing distinct flavor and texture.

7. Salt

Salt is a necessity when cooking Mexican rice. It helps bring out the flavor of other ingredients, and it also plays a role in regulating the moisture and texture of the rice.

8. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a healthy fat that adds flavor and provides necessary moisture to the rice. It also helps to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan.

9. Frozen Peas and Carrots

Frozen peas and carrots can add color and additional nutrients to the Mexican rice dish while also providing a mild taste that complements the rice.

10. Bay Leaf

Adding bay leaf to the Mexican rice mix can help enhance the flavor of the rice, adding a hint of sweetness and light tartness.

Now that we have identified the necessary ingredients let us move onto the recipe.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

Before we dive into the recipe for Mexican rice without tomato sauce, let’s first take a look at the necessary ingredients and equipment that you will need:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients and equipment, it’s time to start cooking your Mexican rice without any tomato sauce. Here is a step-by-step instructional guide to doing just that:

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Begin by rinsing the two cups of white rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This will help remove excess starch from the rice and prevent it from becoming too sticky.

Step 2: Preheat the Vegetable Oil

Heat up one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once heated, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings and Rice

Once the onion is translucent, add one teaspoon of cumin, one teaspoon of chili powder, and half a teaspoon of salt to the pot, stirring the mixture to ensure all the ingredients are combined. Next, add the two cups of rinsed rice to the pot, stirring it to coat the grains thoroughly with the seasoning mixture.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Bring to a Boil

Once the rice is coated in the seasoning mixture, pour in the four cups of vegetable or chicken broth and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.

Step 5: Simmer for 18 Minutes

Allow the rice to simmer with the lid on for 18 minutes, checking on it occasionally to ensure that the liquid is not boiling too rapidly or evaporating too quickly. After 18 minutes, take the pot off the heat and let it sit with the lid on for an additional five minutes before serving.

Enjoy Your Tomato Sauce-Free Mexican Rice!

With these simple instructions, you can easily create a delicious and savory Mexican rice without worrying about any tomato sauce. With a fluffy texture and full-bodied flavor, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite, perfect for pairing with a wide variety of main dishes. So go ahead and give it a try for yourself – we guarantee you won’t regret it!

Thanks for reading!

Making Mexican rice without tomato sauce might seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Remember to use the right ingredients and follow the steps carefully, and you’ll have a mouth-watering rice that will impress your friends and family. So next time you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine, give this recipe a try! And don’t forget to come back for more tasty tips and tricks. Hasta pronto!