Hello foodies!
Welcome back to Mellow Bites. I’m Deepa, and today I’m excited to share a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican Rice recipe. This flavorful dish is perfect for lunch or dinner and works beautifully as a main course or side dish.
Think of it as a tasty fusion of Indian-style tomato rice with a Mexican twist, enhanced by aromatic herbs and spices. Let’s get started!
📝 Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup basmati rice (washed and soaked for 15 minutes)
- 2 cups water
- ¾ cup tomato puree
- ¾ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon Mexican seasoning
- Salt to taste
🍳 Instructions
1. Heat the Oil
Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and green chilies. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
(I’m using my Hawkins 4L Anodised Saucepan – a durable and reliable utensil that lasts for years.)
2. Cook the Vegetables
Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent.
3. Add the Spices and Tomato Puree
Add tomato puree, cumin powder, oregano, and Mexican seasoning. Mix well and cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and releases oil.
4. Add Rice and Water
Add the soaked rice and water. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer
Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 15–20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
6. Fluff and Serve
Turn off the heat, gently fluff the rice with a fork, and serve hot.
💡 Tips for Best Results
✔ For Extra Flavor: Replace water with vegetable or chicken stock.
✔ Add More Veggies: Corn, peas, or carrots can enhance taste and nutrition.
✔ Increase Spice Level: Add extra green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
✔ Perfect Texture: Always soak rice before cooking for soft, separate grains.
PRODUCT LINKS FOR PURCHASE
Hawkins anodized 4 l sauce pan : https://amzn.to/3TuaB7X
Mexican seasoning : https://amzn.to/3B3o8Nx
Oregano : https://amzn.to/4dcShHG
Cumin powder : https://amzn.to/4e5kIIs
🌟 Final Thoughts
This homemade Mexican Rice is simple, colorful, and packed with flavor. It’s a perfect option for busy weekdays or special family meals. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, anyone can prepare this delicious dish at home.
I hope you enjoy trying this recipe as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you.
Thank you for visiting Mellow Bites.
Happy Cooking! ❤️🍽️