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Mexican Rice
Mexican 25 min Easy

Mexican Rice

Fluffy tomato-tinted rice, a classic Mexican side.

Origin & Story

Arroz rojo ('red rice') is the everyday Mexican rice dish, toasted first then simmered in a tomato broth so every grain is fluffy and full of flavour.

Main Spices & Their Role

Cumin

Adds warm, earthy depth.

Garlic

Builds the savoury base.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 tomato, pureed
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 cups stock or water
  • Salt
  • Peas (optional)

Method

  1. 01

    Toast the rice in oil until lightly golden.

  2. 02

    Add onion, garlic and cumin; cook 1 minute.

  3. 03

    Stir in the tomato puree and cook until thick.

  4. 04

    Add the stock and salt, bring to a boil.

  5. 05

    Cover and simmer on low until fluffy.

Veg & Vegan Alternatives

Vegetarian

Already vegetarian — use vegetable stock or water.

Vegan

Already vegetarian and vegan — cook in oil (not ghee/butter) to keep it fully plant-based.

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Created by Aarav Gautam