| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 200 | 6g | 1g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 4g | 1.2g |
As someone who grew up in Louisiana with French ancestry, my culinary roots run deep with a heritage of vibrant and diverse flavors. It’s a delight for me to share a recipe that bridges cultures and offers a unique twist on traditional dishes. The “Mexican Bay Leaf Flavored Rice” is a fragrant, colorful, and utterly delicious creation that brings back memories of hearty family meals and the rich, aromatic dishes my grandmother used to make.
### A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe has swiftly become one of my favorites, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of bay leaves, cumin, and black pepper infuses the rice with a warm and aromatic flavor that is absolutely irresistible. While the diced tomatoes, peas, and carrots add freshness and a splash of color, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors that dance together in perfect harmony.
### Nutritious and Satisfying
What I particularly appreciate about this dish is that it is not only delicious but also nutritious. Rice is a fantastic source of energy and is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. The vegetables in this recipe—tomatoes, peas, and carrots—provide a wealth of nutrients, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber. The cilantro adds a burst of freshness and is also known for its health benefits, such as aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.
### Perfect for Pairing
Mexican Bay Leaf Flavored Rice is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light and healthy meal, or pair it with beans and avocado for a satisfying vegetarian option. It also complements other Mexican-inspired dishes such as enchiladas or tacos. The subtle yet distinct flavors make it an excellent accompaniment to bold and spicy mains.
### Tips and Similar Dishes
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also appreciate dishes like Spanish rice or pilaf, which similarly combine rice with a variety of herbs and vegetables. Feel free to experiment by adding different toppings like lime zest, chopped green onions, or even a sprinkle of cheese for an added layer of flavor.
This Mexican Bay Leaf Flavored Rice is a testament to the beauty of culinary diversity, seamlessly blending different elements to create a dish that is both comforting and exotic. I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this recipe as much as I do. Bon appétit!
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Method
Step One
Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the long-grain white rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Step Two
Add the finely chopped small onion and minced garlic to the saucepan. Cook and stir until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Step Three
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, fresh or frozen peas, and diced carrots. Stir to combine.
Step Four
Add the chopped fresh cilantro, bay leaves, salt, ground cumin, and ground black pepper to the mixture. Stir well.
Step Five
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step Six
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam. Discard the bay leaves before serving.
Step Seven
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot. Enjoy your Mexican Bay Leaf Flavored Rice!
