Mexican-Style Rice in a Rice Maker

Enjoy a quick and flavorful side dish with this Mexican-Style Rice made effortlessly in a rice maker. This recipe combines fluffy long-grain white rice with tomato paste, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, all cooked to perfection. Mixed with peas and carrots, and garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Pair this rice with our Salsa Verde Chicken Thighs with Grilled Veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Rinse the Rice:
   • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Spices:
   • Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
   • Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and the tomato paste to darken slightly.
4. Combine in Rice Maker:
   • Transfer the sautéed mixture to the rice maker.
   • Add the rinsed rice and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
5. Cook the Rice:
   • Close the rice maker and set it to the “white rice” or “regular” setting.
   • Allow the rice to cook according to the rice maker’s instructions.
6. Add Vegetables:
   • Once the rice is cooked, open the rice maker and add the frozen peas and carrots.
   • Stir to combine, then close the lid and let the residual heat cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes.
7. Serve:
   • Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer to a serving dish.
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy your flavorful and easy Mexican-Style Rice made in a rice maker!