2/24/11

Tomato and Red Pepper Mexi- Rice




Shall we call this the series on Mexican dishes? Not super authentic, but dishes with a Mexi-flair. 
Earlier in the week , it was Mexican Breakfast Tortillas. In the next few days, I'll post a simple Green Chili Enchilada recipe for a crowd and a Mexican Salad. 
This rice dish can be thrown together in about 5 minutes, and cooks up in about 20. Super simple and fresh. Really, it kicks Rice-a Roni's backside every time. 








Fresh Tomato and Red Pepper Mexican Rice
A Bountiful Kitchen
print recipe

1-2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
1 cup chopped onion, I like it chunky
1 clove garlic, chopped or crushed
1 cup chopped tomato
1 chopped red pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder, more if you like it hot
1 teaspoon cumin
1 cup long grain rice
2 cups broth, chicken or vegetable
water if needed
Cilantro for garnish (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

Use a 4 quart saucepan with a lid for cooking.
Saute the chopped onion in oil over medium high heat (uncovered) until onion is soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic, cook for about 2 additional minutes. Add rest of ingredients to saucepan.  Bring to boil, cover pan with lid and reduce heat to medium. Cook for about 20 minutes or until rice is done.  Check the rice at about 12 minutes to see if more liquid is needed. Salt and pepper to taste.

Tips:
-If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you may use drained chopped tomatoes from a can.
-This cooks up quickly, make sure to keep the heat at medium, and the pan covered as much as possible.
- For cooking ahead-If you try to keep the rice warm too long after cooking, the grains will swell and the rice will become overcooked. Better to let it cool, then heat it up later when needed, or cook just before serving.

1 comment:

Tell us how you really feel...