Enhance your meals with this Flavorful Mexican Rice with Garlic & Spices! Combining aromatic garlic, vibrant spices, and a touch of garlic olive oil, this savory rice recipe is easy to make and perfect for complementing any main course. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting guests, this seasoned side dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and delightful texture.
Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Knorr chicken tomato bouillon
- ¼ cup minced onion
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 20 ounces water
- 2 tablespoons garlic olive oil
Instructions
1. Sauté the Rice
Heat the garlic olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is evenly coated with the oil and starts to look slightly translucent. For tips on sautéing rice, refer to this guide.
2. Add Spices and Water
Stir in the minced garlic, Knorr chicken tomato bouillon, minced onion, chili powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Learn more about using bouillon in recipes.
3. Simmer
Once the mixture reaches a boil, cover the saucepan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 20 minutes without lifting the lid. This allows the rice to absorb all the flavors and cook perfectly. For more on perfectly cooked rice, check out this article.
4. Fluff the Rice
After 20 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork, scraping the socarrat (crispy bits) off the bottom of the pan and mixing them into the rice for added flavor and texture. Discover more about socarrat in rice dishes.
5. Serve
Enjoy your Flavorful Mexican Rice with Garlic & Spices as a side dish with your favorite main courses. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a base for a hearty stir-fry.
Tips
- Use Broth for Extra Flavor: For an even richer taste, substitute the water with vegetable or chicken broth. Learn how to make homemade chicken broth.
- Adjust the Spices: Modify the amount of chili powder and paprika to suit your taste preferences. Add a pinch of cumin or coriander for additional depth.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or peas into the rice for added nutrition and color.
- Rice Varieties: While white rice is commonly used, you can experiment with brown rice or wild rice for a different texture and flavor profile.
Serving Suggestion
This Flavorful Mexican Rice with Garlic & Spices pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a base for a hearty stir-fry. For more side dish ideas, explore these suggestions to complement your meal perfectly.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 15%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 10%
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavorful Mexican Rice with Garlic & Spices is a versatile and easy-to-make side dish that elevates any meal with its rich and aromatic flavors. The combination of garlic, chili powder, and paprika infuses the rice with a delightful warmth, while the garlic olive oil ensures each grain is perfectly seasoned. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, this rice recipe is both satisfying and nutritious, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Try It Today!
Ready to enhance your meals with a savory and aromatic side dish? Prepare this Flavorful Mexican Rice with Garlic & Spices tonight and enjoy a deliciously seasoned rice that complements any main course. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its ease and delectable flavors. Don’t forget to share your cooking successes and let us know how much you love this tasty recipe!
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