Mex Rice
A flavorful Mexican-style rice dish featuring tomato sauce, green peppers, and aromatic spices, perfect as a side or main for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the onion and rice in canola oil until light brown.
- Add water, cumin, and garlic powder to the rice mixture.
- Cook the rice mixture for about 10 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce and green peppers, then cook for about 5 minutes.
- Check if the rice is done.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice soak up the water.
- Cover and let stand before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the canola oil with olive oil. If you prefer a spicier version, you can add chopped jalapeños along with the green peppers. To enhance the dish’s flavor, try incorporating a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of lime juice before serving. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, and remember to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this flavorful Mex Rice as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish, or make it a main dish by adding black beans or shredded cheese. It pairs wonderfully with salsa sauce (California style) for an extra kick. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of Spicy Beans And Rice or a fresh salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water if necessary to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mex Rice contains roughly 669 calories, with 21g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 576mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. Generally, brown rice needs about 20-25 minutes to cook fully. Adjust the water accordingly, using 2 1/2 cups of water for every cup of brown rice to ensure it cooks properly.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce if I don't have any?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or even diced tomatoes as a substitute. You can also blend fresh tomatoes to make a homemade sauce. If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the crushed or diced tomatoes before adding them to the rice.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Mex Rice recipe is completely vegan as it contains no animal products. It's a great option for those following vegan recipes. You can enhance its nutrition by adding vegetables like corn or black beans, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).