Description
This Taco Night Rice Recipe is a flavorful and colorful side dish perfect for complementing any Mexican-inspired meal. Made with long-grain white rice simmered in a savory blend of tomato sauce, broth, spices, onions, and peas, this dish offers a deliciously seasoned rice that pairs wonderfully with tacos, grilled meats, or beans. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an easy and satisfying option for a family dinner or casual get-together.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- ¼ cup white onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Rinse Rice: Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch to prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Sauté Rice and Onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot with a lid over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice grains turn a golden brown color. Then, stir in the diced onions and sauté until they soften and become translucent.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, tomato sauce, frozen peas, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and ground cumin into the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with the lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest covered for a few minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and serve hot as a flavorful side dish for your taco night.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust chili powder according to your spice preference for more or less heat.
- You can add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute vegetable oil with olive oil or butter.
- Make sure to keep the lid on during simmering to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
