Easy Mexican Rice

Makes 2.5-3 cups (depending upon additional veggies). Serves ~4 people.

This is an easy side for fajita/taco/burrito night. I have a recipe for lemon cilantro chicken that I haven't used in years, but it would probably go well, too.

I was looking for a simple Spanish/Mexican Rice recipe with less sodium than the boxed mixes. I stumbled upon something similar on Allrecipes.com and have tailored it to my tastes. I use brown rice and will throw in whatever vegetables happen to be in the house and seem to go well with the flavors.

Bare bones:
~ 1/2 tsp oil (I use EVOO, but whatever floats your boat or is on hand will work. With any OO, watch out for too much heat because it has a lower burn point.)
1 cup par-cooked brown rice (AKA Uncle Ben's ***)
1 cup salsa of choice (I use whatever brand of chunky is on hand)
1 cup chicken broth * (I use low sodium fat free)

Additional items to flavor:
1/4 - 1/2 cup chopped onion, bell pepper, summer squash, mushrooms, etc.
1-2 cloves of minced garlic

In a large covered skillet or dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat.

If using additional veggies (except garlic), saute 2-3 minutes until translucent. If using, add the garlic for the last 30 seconds. Move veggies to a bowl and set aside.

Add up to another 1/2 tsp oil to the pan if necessary. Add the rice and saute until translucent - probably ~3-4 minutes, but watch it. Translucent to burned can be a matter of 30-45 seconds if unstirred.

Stir in all ingredients and cover. Raise heat, bring to a boil, and then lower to a simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Remove from heat, and let sit for another 5 minutes. Fluff the rice and pour into a serving dish. Garnish with cilantro and lemon if desired. Enjoy!


* To make this vegan, simply substitute carrot juice, vegetable broth, or water for the chicken broth.

*** If you use a different brown rice, be sure to follow the instructions for cooking time. Most uncooked brown rice takes 45-60 minutes to cook. Uncle Ben's is par cooked to bring that down to 20 minutes. White rice works just fine, too.