Mexican Cilantro Lime Rice
Fluffy white rice with lime, cilantro, and onion makes a fantastic side dish: more "dressed up" than plain rice, but almost as effortless. (PS -- This Chipotle cilantro rice dupe is better than the original!)
Servings: 6 people as a side dish
Calories: 223kcal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, such as basmati
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced small
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 1/4 cups cold water (or whatever your rice package directions say)
- 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 limes, zested and juiced
- 2/3 cup cilantro, leaves and stems, finely chopped, plus more to garnish
- Sliced jalapeño pepper to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water to release some of the excess starch.
- Heat a medium sauce pot over medium heat. Add the oil. When the oil is warm, add the diced onion, rinsed rice, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until the onion starts to turn translucent. TIP: You don't want to add the garlic at this stage because it risks burning while the onion cooks.
- Add the water, salt, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook, covered, until the water is fully absorbed, about 20 minutes.
- Remove the lid. Fluff the rice with a fork. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the lime juice, zest, and cilantro. Taste for seasoning. Serve hot with sliced jalapeño pepper and a few stems of cilantro as a garnish, if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 489mg | Potassium: 105mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 132IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is provided for courtesy purposes only, and is an estimate not verified by medical or nutrition experts. Read the full nutrition disclaimer.
