mexican rice

you know that delicious, fluffy, reddish-colored rice you get at mexican restaurants? it isn't spanish rice. it isn't a cilantro-lime type rice. it's a perfect side dish with burritos, tacos or its great in salads. you know the one i'm talking about.

well, i found it. then i made it healthier. and quicker. you're welcome. :)

mexican rice
8-10 side dish servings
modified from here, where everyone said it was the mexican rice they'd been looking for for years!

1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes

1 medium white onion
2-3 medium jalapenos
2 cups long grain white rice
1 tablespoon olive oil (or none if you prefer really low cal - original recipe was 1/3 cup!)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, minced
1 lime (optional)

1. process tomato and onion in processor or blender until pureed and smooth. transfer mixture to measuring cup and reserve exactly 2 cups. save excess to use in something else (a smaller batch of rice, the filling for your enchiladas, dump it into a tortilla soup).
2. remove ribs and seeds from 2-3 jalapenos and discard. mince flesh and set aside.
3. place rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until water runs clear - about 1 1/2 minutes. shake rice vigorously to remove excess water. this step removes the starch from the rice so it will not stick. if you omit this step your rice will not be dry and fluffy.
4. heat oil in large skillet (or just heat skillet) over medium heat. add rice and stir fry until rice is light golden and translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. reduce heat to medium, add garlic and jalapeno and cook, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes.
6. stir in broth, pureed mixture and salt. increase heat to medium high and bring to a boil.
7. cover pan with tight fitting lid and reduce heat to low. cook 20-25 minutes until liquid is gone and rice is done.
8. stir in cilantro and squeeze lime over the top if desired.

this rice is amazing in a cafe rio style salad with this sweet and spicy slow cooker chicken and cilantro lime vinaigrette dressing. okay, now i'm drooling.

up next - a super yummy 4th of july desert i made 4 years ago... yes it will include a terrible picture of the skinny bovine. :) look for it thursday so you have time to make it for this weekend's festivities!