Rice is a staple in many kitchens, and if you've visited a Redwood Empire Food Bank distribution lately, chances are you have plenty of it on hand! Instead of plain rice, why not transform it into something flavorful and delicious? This Mexican Rice recipe is easy to make and pairs well with just about any meal. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can prep ahead for future meals.

Mexican Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Blender Mixture:

• 1 can of tomatoes (diced, whole, or crushed)
• ½ onion
• 1–2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
• 1 tsp tomato bouillon
• ½ tsp cumin
• 1 cup water

For Cooking:

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, chicken bouillon, tomato bouillon, cumin, and 1 cup of water. Blend until smooth.
2. In a pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup of rice and toast it, stirring frequently until it turns a light golden color. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Pour in the blended tomato mixture and add another cup of water. Stir well and bring to a boil.
4. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice steam until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is soft, about 15–20 minutes.
5. Fluff with a fork and serve!

Flavor Variations

Once you have the basic method down, you can experiment with different flavors! Simply blend the ingredients below and proceed with the same cooking instructions.

Garlic Butter Rice

• 8 cloves garlic
• 3 tbsp oil
• 4 tbsp melted butter
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1–2 green onions

Cilantro Lime Rice

• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 1 cup cilantro
• 1 cup water

Yellow Rice

• 3 tsp melted butter
• 1–2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 cup water

Storage and Freezing Tips

Cooked rice freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic meal-prep option. Here’s how:

1. Let the rice cool completely before storing.
2. Portion into small foil tins or resealable freezer bags.
3. Label each with the flavor and date.
4. To reheat, defrost and warm in the oven or microwave.

This method helps reduce food waste and ensures you always have a flavorful side dish ready to go. Enjoy experimenting with different rice flavors and making your meals extra special!

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