Mexican Rice

Colourful and flavourful ingredients

Mexican cuisine is all about spices and vibrant colours and this rice dish has just that. Take your dinner from simple to glorious with bright red colours from peppers, tomato paste, Pico de Gallo, and salsa and bursting green colours from spring onion, fresh coriander, and avocado. Using butter to fluff the rice after it is done cooking will ensure it has a glossy finish. A broad selection of seasoning, such as cumin, paprika, and garlic, creates an authentic flavour experience full of interesting notes and aromas. For other delicious rice dishes, try our poke bowl with salmon, lamb quzi from Middle Eastern cuisine, or classic chicken mandi, a delicious rice dish originating from Yemen.

Greatness comes with the right seasoning

In this recipe, cook up garlic, coriander, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to release all those delicious flavours and aromas. Garlic adds a pungent depth, while coriander offers a hint of citrusy notes. Cumin brings a warm, earthy note, complemented by the smoky sweetness of paprika. Cayenne pepper introduces a fiery kick, elevating the dish with a spicy undertone and bringing some spice to the black beans and vegetables. Savour the delightful aroma of the seasoning, as they cook and simmer, imbuing the rice with a rich, complex flavour.

Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa

Elevate your meal with a selection of sides. Whip up a flavourful salsa and creamy guacamole, and serve with cool, tangy sour cream. You can also get all the sides from the store. Whether homemade or bought, the right the sides will take this dish to the next level. Make a sweet, mild, or spicy salsa to give either a mellow balance to the Mexican rice or a spicy zing that will get the heat rising and the flavours kicking. The guacamole adds a soft, creamy mouthfeel and a slightly sweet and mild flavour that is delightfully balanced by the tangy and refreshing sour creme.

Only you, cook, can make it a personal favourite

Mexican rice is the perfect canvas for different vegetables and spices. Try adding fresh or frozen peas or shredded or cubed carrots, adding even more hues to the already colourful plate. When it comes to seasoning and spices, make it even spicier with chilli powder or jalapeño pepper. To balance the spiciness and give it a tangy and refreshing zing, add a splash of fresh lime juice with the cooling sour cream. This can quickly become your go-to meal for using up whatever vegetables you have left in the fridge. If you make sure not to skimp on the spices and toppings from traditional Mexican cuisine, you can use whatever you have at hand and still get an authentic meal. As for the rice, we opted for basmati, but you can use the type of rice you like best, as long as it is long-grain, for example, wild rice, jasmine rice, and long-grain white rice. When cooked, long-grain rice remains separate and fluffy, avoiding the sticky or mushy texture that is often the case with shorter grains.