Mexican Vegetable Rice
A vibrant Mexican vegetable rice bursting with flavors from tomatoes, peas, and spices, perfect as a side dish or a hearty vegetarian main for lively meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat; add onion, garlic, and rice.
- Cook and stir until onion is limp and rice is opaque.
- Stir in salt, cayenne, and bouillon cubes dissolved in boiling water.
- Bring to a boil; cover and simmer for 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Add peas and chopped tomatoes; stir and cook for about 3 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding bell peppers or corn to the mix. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon. For a bit more heat, try adding diced jalapeños. Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffier texture in the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican Vegetable Rice pairs beautifully with Chicken And Spinach Enchiladas or other Mexican recipes. Serve it alongside grilled meats for a complete meal or as a bed for your favorite protein. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges to enhance the flavors and add a burst of freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Mexican Vegetable Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also add a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Vegetable Rice contains roughly 511 calories, with 8g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1651mg per serving (72% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Mexican Vegetable Rice ahead of time. Just follow the recipe up to the point of adding peas and tomatoes, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat and stir in the peas and tomatoes for a fresh finish.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe, as it cooks evenly and remains fluffy. You can also use brown rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it typically requires a longer cooking period.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize this dish by adding vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even spinach. Just ensure that they are chopped into small pieces and added at the appropriate time so they cook through without becoming mushy.
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).