Description
Hearty Mexican brown rice combines robust flavors from Mexico’s culinary traditions with nutritious whole grains. Spices and fresh ingredients create a delicious side dish that completes you at the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Ingredients:
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 small yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 lime
Pantry Items:
- 2 cups long-grain brown rice
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Additional salt to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Pulse tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a food processor until creating a smooth, vibrant sauce. Extract 2 cups of this aromatic mixture for the recipe.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium temperature. Introduce brown rice and chopped jalapeños, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes to develop a rich, nutty fragrance.
- Pour broth, tomato mixture, tomato paste, and salt into the pot. Stir thoroughly, then increase heat to medium-high, allowing the liquid to reach a robust boil.
- Securely cover the Dutch oven and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 75-90 minutes until rice absorbs all liquid and transforms into a tender, flavorful base.
- Remove from oven and gently fold in fresh cilantro. Adjust seasoning with salt and optional red pepper flakes for extra heat. Garnish with lime wedges for a zesty finish, enhancing the Mexican-inspired profile of the dish.
Notes
- Customize Heat Level Control the spiciness by adjusting jalapeno quantity or removing seeds for milder flavor.
- Boost Nutrition Swap white rice for brown rice to increase fiber, minerals, and complex carbohydrates.
- Meal Prep Magic This dish stores beautifully in refrigerator for 4-5 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner prep.
- Gluten-Free Friendly Double-check broth ingredients to ensure completely gluten-free preparation for sensitive diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg