Flavorful Mexican Rice with Garlic & Spices

This savory rice recipe combines aromatic garlic, vibrant spices, and a touch of garlic olive oil for a deliciously seasoned side dish. It’s easy to make and perfect for complementing any meal.

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.
2. Add Spices and Water: Stir in the minced garlic, Knorr chicken tomato bouillon, minced onion, chili powder, and paprika. Mix well. Add the water and bring to a boil.
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.
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 it into the rice for added flavor.
5. Serve: Enjoy your flavorful rice as a side dish with your favorite main courses.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
• Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestion: This rice pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a base for a hearty stir-fry.