This Vegetarian Mexican Rice is a delicious and flavorful side dish that is perfect for serving with your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. Made with pantry staples like rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices, this dish is easy to prepare and is ready in under 30 minutes. It has a nice, slightly spicy kick from the jalapenos, and the addition of black beans adds an extra protein boost. Whether you’re vegetarian or just looking for a meatless option, this Mexican rice is sure to become a favorite in your household.
To make this Vegetarian Mexican Rice, start by sautéing onions and garlic in a large skillet. This step adds a savory base to the dish and helps to develop the flavors. Then, add in the rice and cook it for a few minutes until it becomes slightly toasted. This step helps to enhance the nutty flavor of the rice. Next, add in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, jalapenos, and spices. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer until it is cooked through and fluffy.
Ingredients
The vegetarian Mexican rice recipe requires the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
The main ingredient in this recipe is long-grain white rice, which gives it a light and fluffy texture. The rice is cooked in vegetable oil, which adds a hint of flavor and prevents it from sticking together. Finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper are added to the rice for a burst of flavor and texture. Canned diced tomatoes provide a tangy sweetness, while vegetable broth adds moisture and depth of flavor. The spices used in this dish include chili powder, cumin, and paprika, which give it a spicy and smoky taste. Salt and pepper are added to taste, and fresh cilantro is used as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
Step-by-step instructions for making Vegetarian Mexican Rice
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious Vegetarian Mexican Rice:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent.
- Stir in the rice and cook for about 2 minutes, until it becomes slightly toasted.
- Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the rice for 20-25 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, fluff the rice with a fork and add chopped cilantro for garnish if desired.
That’s it! Your flavorful Vegetarian Mexican Rice is now ready to be enjoyed as a side dish or as a filling for burritos, tacos, or enchiladas.
Tips from Professional Chefs for Cooking Vegetarian Mexican Rice
Here are some valuable tips from professional chefs to make the best vegetarian Mexican rice:
- Choose the right type of rice: For a perfect texture and flavor, opt for long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmine. Avoid using sticky rice varieties as they tend to clump together.
- Properly wash the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Toast the rice: Before cooking the rice, toast it in a dry skillet for a few minutes. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the rice and gives it a richer taste.
- Use vegetable broth: Instead of using water, cook the rice in vegetable broth. This adds depth to the flavor and makes the rice more savory. You can also add some spices to the broth for an extra kick.
- Add roasted vegetables: To make the vegetarian Mexican rice more nutritious and flavorful, add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and tomatoes. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious and satisfying vegetarian Mexican rice that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
Reviews
“I recently tried the recipe for Vegetarian Mexican Rice and I have to say, it was absolutely delicious! As someone who follows a vegetarian diet, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes, and this one did not disappoint. The combination of flavors in this dish was simply amazing.”
“What I loved most about this recipe was how easy it was to make. All the ingredients were readily available and the cooking process was straightforward. I really appreciate recipes that don’t require a lot of time and effort, but still result in a tasty and satisfying meal. This Vegetarian Mexican Rice definitely fits the bill.”
“The best part about this dish is that it is packed with nutritious ingredients. The rice provides a good source of carbohydrates, while the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. I also liked that it included black beans, which are a great source of plant-based protein. It’s always a bonus when a meal is not only delicious, but also good for you.”
This Vegetarian Mexican Rice recipe is absolutely amazing! As someone who has recently transitioned to a vegetarian diet, I am always on the lookout for flavorful and satisfying recipes that don’t compromise on taste. This recipe definitely fits the bill.
The combination of spices and vegetables in this dish is simply fantastic. The rice is perfectly cooked and has just the right amount of heat and smokiness from the chipotle pepper and cumin. The addition of black beans and corn adds a nice texture and sweetness to the dish.
I also love that this recipe is so simple and easy to make. It doesn’t require a lot of ingredients and can be whipped up in no time. It’s the perfect dish to make for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving some Mexican flavors.
I highly recommend this Vegetarian Mexican Rice recipe to anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian dish. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a quick and healthy meal. I will definitely be making this recipe again!
I recently tried the recipe for Vegetarian Mexican Rice and I must say it was absolutely delicious! I have been looking for new vegetarian recipes to try and this one definitely hit the mark. The combination of flavors from the spices, vegetables, and rice was just perfect.
The recipe was easy to follow and the instructions were clear. I loved the fact that it was a one-pot dish, which made the cooking process much easier and also saved me some time on cleaning up. The rice turned out fluffy and flavorful, with a nice hint of spice.
I also appreciated that the recipe used simple and easily accessible ingredients. I didn’t have to go out and buy anything special, which is always a bonus. The recipe called for ingredients like bell pepper, onion, garlic, corn, and tomatoes, which are staples in my kitchen.
The final result was a vibrant and colorful dish that was not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrition. I served it as a main dish along with some steamed vegetables, and it was a hit with my family. They couldn’t get enough of it!
Overall, I highly recommend trying the Vegetarian Mexican Rice recipe. It’s a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying dish. Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, this recipe is a winner!
I recently tried the recipe for Vegetarian Mexican Rice and oh boy, was I blown away! As someone who enjoys vegetarian cuisine, finding recipes that are flavorful and satisfying can sometimes be a challenge. However, this dish exceeded all of my expectations. The combination of spices and vegetables created a burst of flavors that made every bite a delight.
The first thing that struck me about this recipe was how easy it was to follow. The instructions were clear and concise, allowing even someone with limited cooking experience like myself to successfully recreate the dish. The ingredients were also readily available, making it a convenient option for a quick and tasty meal.
The end result was a vibrant and fragrant Mexican rice that was packed with vegetables. The rice was perfectly cooked, each grain separate and fluffy. The addition of bell peppers, corn, and black beans gave the dish a satisfying crunch and added nutrition. The spices, such as cumin and chili powder, provided a subtle yet distinctive kick that enhanced the overall flavor profile.
I served this rice as a side dish with fajitas, and it was an absolute hit. The fresh and zesty flavors of the rice complemented the savory fajitas perfectly. I received numerous compliments from my guests, many of whom were not vegetarian, on how delicious the rice was.
All in all, I highly recommend trying this recipe for Vegetarian Mexican Rice. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that will impress both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful side dish or a main course, this recipe is definitely a winner.
As a vegetarian, I am always on the lookout for exciting and tasty recipes that suit my dietary preferences, and I must say that this vegetarian Mexican rice recipe exceeded all my expectations. The combination of flavors and textures brought a new level of deliciousness to a simple rice dish. The recipe was easy to follow and the ingredients were easily accessible, which made the cooking process even more enjoyable.
What I loved most about this recipe was how versatile it was. I could easily customize it to my liking by adding different vegetables or spices. The recipe called for bell peppers, corn, and peas, but I added some diced tomatoes and black beans for extra protein. The end result was a vibrant and flavorful dish that satisfied my taste buds and left me feeling full and satisfied.
One thing I would recommend is to adjust the spice level to your preference. I personally enjoy a bit of heat, so I added some chili powder and cayenne pepper to give it a kick. If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce or omit the spices altogether. Another tip is to use vegetable broth instead of water to cook the rice. It adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to the dish. Overall, this vegetarian Mexican rice recipe is a winner in my book, and I will definitely be making it again and again for my family and friends.
