Category: RECIPES

  • Authentic Mexican Picadillo Recipe

    Authentic Mexican Picadillo Recipe

    (Traditional Ground Beef with Potatoes)

    This Authentic Mexican Picadillo is a classic homemade dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and traditional Mexican spices. Itโ€™s a simple, comforting meal that is full of flavor and perfect served with warm tortillas, rice, or beans.


    Ingredients

    For the Picadillo

    • 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef
    • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
    • 1 medium white onion, finely diced
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
    • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
    • 3 Roma tomatoes, chopped
    • 1 cup tomato sauce
    • 1 green bell pepper, diced
    • 1โ€“2 jalapeรฑos, finely chopped (optional)
    • 2 cups beef broth or water

    Seasonings

    • 2 tsp ground cumin
    • 1 tsp chili powder
    • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
    • 1 tsp smoked paprika
    • ยฝ tsp ground coriander
    • 1 bay leaf
    • Salt and black pepper, to taste

    Optional Additions

    • ยฝ cup frozen peas
    • ยผ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
    • Juice of 1 lime
    • ยผ cup green olives, sliced (traditional in some Mexican regions)
    • 1 small zucchini, diced
    • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky kick

    Instructions

    1. Cook the Ground Beef

    1. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
    2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
    3. Drain excess grease if needed.

    2. Build the Flavor

    1. Add diced onion and cook for 3โ€“4 minutes until softened.
    2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
    3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper.
    4. Cook for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant.

    3. Add Vegetables & Simmer

    1. Add potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and jalapeรฑos.
    2. Pour in beef broth and add the bay leaf.
    3. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
    4. Cover and cook for 30โ€“40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.

    4. Finish the Picadillo

    1. Remove the bay leaf.
    2. Add peas if using and cook for another 3โ€“5 minutes.
    3. Stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice.
    4. Taste and adjust salt and seasoning.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve your Authentic Mexican Picadillo with:

    • Warm corn or flour tortillas
    • Mexican rice
    • Refried beans
    • Charro beans
    • Fresh avocado
    • Pico de gallo
    • Salsa verde
    • Fried eggs for a breakfast-style meal

    Tips for the Best Authentic Picadillo

    • Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
    • Dice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same time.
    • Let the picadillo simmer slowly so the sauce becomes rich and flavorful.
    • For a more traditional flavor, blend tomatoes, onion, and garlic into a smooth sauce before adding.
    • Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors develop.

    Storage

    • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
    • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
    • Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth if needed.

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  • Mexican Meatball Soup Recipe (Albondigas Soup)

    This Mexican Meatball Soup (Sopa de Albรณndigas) is a traditional comfort food made with tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato-based broth with vegetables, herbs, and spices. Itโ€™s warm, hearty, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.


    Ingredients

    For the Meatballs (Albรณndigas)

    • 1ยฝ lbs (700 g) ground beef
    • ยฝ lb (225 g) ground pork (optional, for extra tenderness)
    • ยฝ cup uncooked white rice
    • 1 egg
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • ยผ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
    • 2 tbsp finely diced onion
    • 1 tsp ground cumin
    • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
    • 1 tsp chili powder
    • 1 tsp salt
    • ยฝ tsp black pepper

    For the Soup Broth

    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
    • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
    • 8 cups beef broth or chicken broth
    • 2 carrots, sliced
    • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
    • 2 zucchini, sliced
    • 2 celery stalks, sliced
    • 1 cup green beans (optional)
    • 1 bay leaf

    Seasonings

    • 2 tsp ground cumin
    • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
    • 1 tsp smoked paprika
    • Salt and black pepper, to taste
    • Juice of 1 lime
    • ยผ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

    Optional Toppings

    • Fresh cilantro
    • Lime wedges
    • Diced avocado
    • Sliced jalapeรฑos
    • Warm corn tortillas
    • Queso fresco
    • Hot sauce

    Instructions

    1. Make the Meatballs

    1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, rice, egg, garlic, onion, cilantro, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
    2. Mix gently until everything is combined.
    3. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1ยฝ inches wide.
    4. Place them on a tray while preparing the soup.

    2. Make the Tomato Broth

    1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
    2. Add onion and cook for 4โ€“5 minutes until softened.
    3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
    4. Add tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
    5. Blend the tomato mixture with tomato sauce and 1 cup of broth until smooth.
    6. Return the mixture to the pot.

    3. Cook the Soup

    1. Add remaining broth, carrots, potatoes, celery, zucchini, green beans, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
    2. Bring to a gentle simmer.
    3. Carefully add the meatballs one at a time.
    4. Cover and simmer for 35โ€“45 minutes until the meatballs are cooked and the vegetables are tender.
    5. Remove the bay leaf.
    6. Stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve your Mexican Meatball Soup (Albondigas Soup) with:

    • Warm corn tortillas
    • Mexican rice
    • Fresh avocado
    • Pico de gallo
    • Salsa verde
    • Lime wedges
    • Homemade salsa

    Tips for the Best Albondigas Soup

    • Donโ€™t overmix the meat mixture โ€” gentle mixing keeps the meatballs tender.
    • Using uncooked rice allows it to cook inside the meatballs and adds traditional texture.
    • Make smaller meatballs so they cook evenly.
    • Let the soup rest for 10โ€“15 minutes before serving for better flavor.
    • The soup tastes even better the next day.

    Storage

    • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
    • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
    • Reheat gently on the stove until warmed through.

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  • Chorizo Street Tacos Recipe (Authentic Mexican Style)

    These Chorizo Street Tacos are packed with bold Mexican flavors featuring spicy, juicy chorizo cooked with onions and spices, served on warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings. They are quick, easy, and taste just like the tacos youโ€™d find at a Mexican street stand.


    Ingredients

    For the Chorizo Filling

    • 1ยฝ lbs (700 g) Mexican chorizo, casings removed
    • 1 medium white onion, finely diced
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (if needed)
    • 1 tsp ground cumin
    • 1 tsp smoked paprika
    • ยฝ tsp chili powder
    • Juice of 1 lime
    • ยผ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

    For the Tacos

    • 24 small corn tortillas (street taco size)
    • 1 small white onion, finely diced
    • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
    • 2 limes, cut into wedges
    • Salsa verde or red salsa, for serving

    Optional Toppings

    • Diced avocado
    • Queso fresco
    • Pickled jalapeรฑos
    • Sliced radishes
    • Chopped cabbage
    • Mexican crema
    • Guacamole

    Instructions

    1. Cook the Chorizo

    1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
    2. Add chorizo and cook for 8โ€“10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon.
    3. Add diced onion and cook for another 3โ€“4 minutes until softened.
    4. Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
    5. Cook for 1โ€“2 minutes until fragrant.
    6. Stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro.
    7. Remove from heat.

    2. Warm the Tortillas

    1. Heat a dry skillet, griddle, or comal over medium heat.
    2. Warm tortillas for 20โ€“30 seconds per side until soft and slightly toasted.
    3. Keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel.

    3. Assemble the Street Tacos

    1. Place two small corn tortillas together for each taco (traditional street taco style).
    2. Add a generous spoonful of cooked chorizo.
    3. Top with diced onion and fresh cilantro.
    4. Add salsa and a squeeze of lime juice.
    5. Serve immediately.

    Serving Suggestions

    Enjoy your Chorizo Street Tacos with:

    • Mexican rice
    • Charro beans
    • Elote (Mexican street corn)
    • Fresh guacamole
    • Salsa roja
    • Salsa verde
    • Agua fresca

    Tips for the Best Chorizo Street Tacos

    • Use authentic Mexican chorizo for the best flavor.
    • Double-layer the tortillas to prevent them from breaking.
    • Cook chorizo until it develops crispy edges for extra texture.
    • Add grilled onions for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
    • A squeeze of fresh lime right before eating makes the flavors pop.

    Storage

    • Cooked chorizo: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    • Freezer: Freeze cooked chorizo for up to 3 months.
    • Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.

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  • Bistec Ranchero

    Bistec Ranchero

    Ingredients:
    1 ยฝ lb beef steak (thinly sliced)

    1 medium onion (sliced)

    1-7 oz can of roasted and sliced poblano peppers (read notes)

    1 lb potatoes (peeled and cut into cubes)

    ยฝ tsp garlic powder

    ยฝ tsp ground cumin

    3 Tbsp olive oil

    salt and pepper

    For ranchero salsa
    1 lb tomatoes

    ยฝ small onion

    2 jalapeรฑo peppers

    1 garlic clove

    ยฝ tsp cumin seeds

    salt

    Directions:
    Make Ranchero Salsa
    Roast tomatoes, jalapeรฑo peppers, onions and garlic on a cast iron skillet or comal until soft and charred.
    Place garlic, cumin seeds, salt and onion in a blender with ยฝ cup water. Blend for about 1 minute then add chilies and tomatoes and pulse two or three times to give the salsa a โ€œrusticโ€ texture. Or you can also use a molcajete and grind all ingredients to your desired consistency.

    Make bistec ranchero
    Season the meat with salt, garlic powder, pepper and cumin.
    Add oil to a pan and sear the meat for one minute over high heat.
    Cover the pan and set the heat to the lowest. This will allow the meat to cook in its own juices and become very tender.
    If you see the meat is still not cooked through add a little bit of water to create some steam and allow to keep cooking. Cook for about 30 minutes or until meat is very tender.
    Once the meat is cooked, add onions and potatoes and stir for 2 minutes over moderate heat.
    Now, pour in the ranchero salsa and season with salt.
    Pour in water enough to cover the ingredients, bring to a boil and then mix in the can of roasted peppers (drained).
    Cover the pan, set heat to medium-low and allow to cook until potatoes are tender (about 10 minutes) mixing from time to time.

    Enjoy !

  • Delicious Mexican Stuffed Shells

    Delicious Mexican Stuffed Shells

    Ingredients

    For the shells

    • 24 jumbo pasta shells
    • 450 g (1 lb) ground beef
    • 1 small onion, finely diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
    • 120 ml (ยฝ cup) water
    • 1 can (425 g / 15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
    • 1 cup corn kernels
    • 2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese, divided

    For the sauce

    • 2 cups salsa (medium or mild)
    • 1 cup enchilada sauce

    Toppings (optional)

    • Sour cream
    • Chopped cilantro
    • Diced tomatoes
    • Sliced green onions
    • Jalapeรฑo slices

    Instructions

    1. Preheat your oven to 190ยฐC (375ยฐF).
    2. Cook the jumbo shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water.
    3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
    4. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2โ€“3 minutes.
    5. Mix in black beans, corn, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Remove from heat.
    6. In a bowl, combine the salsa and enchilada sauce.
    7. Spread about 1 cup of the sauce mixture across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
    8. Fill each cooked shell with the beef mixture and place them in the baking dish.
    9. Pour the remaining sauce over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup cheese.
    10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with sour cream, cilantro, tomatoes, green onions, or jalapeรฑos if desired.

    Serving Suggestion

    Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple avocado salad for a complete meal.

    Serves: 6โ€“8 people
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes

  • Michelada recipe classic mexican drink

    Michelada recipe classic mexican drink

    A Michelada is a refreshing Mexican beer cocktail made with cold beer, lime juice, savory sauces, and spices. Itโ€™s often compared to a spicy Bloody Mary but with beer instead of vodka.

    Ingredients (1 serving)

    For the glass rim:

    • 1 lime wedge
    • 1โ€“2 tablespoons Tajรญn or chili-lime seasoning
    • Optional: coarse salt

    For the Michelada:

    • 1 bottle or can of Mexican lager (12 oz / 355 ml) โ€” such as Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, or Pacifico Clara
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
    • 1 tablespoon Clamato juice (optional, but traditional in many versions)
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco or similar)
    • ยฝ teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
    • A pinch of black pepper
    • A pinch of chili powder
    • Ice (optional)

    Optional additions:

    • Celery stalk
    • Shrimp or seafood garnish (for a coastal-style Michelada)
    • Cucumber slices
    • Extra Tajรญn on top

    Instructions

    1. Prepare the glass
      • Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a large chilled glass.
      • Dip the rim into Tajรญn (or a mixture of chili powder and salt).
    2. Mix the flavors
      • Add lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, and chili powder to the glass.
      • Add Clamato juice if using.
      • Stir well.
    3. Add beer
      • Fill the glass with ice if desired.
      • Slowly pour in the cold beer to avoid too much foam.
      • Gently stir.
    4. Serve
      • Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy immediately.

    Spicy Michelada Variation

    For a stronger kick:

    • Add extra hot sauce
    • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper
    • Add sliced jalapeรฑo
    • Use more Tajรญn on the rim

    Tip: The best Michelada is ice-cold, so chill the beer and glass beforehand. Itโ€™s especially popular with Mexican food, tacos, grilled meats, and seafood.

  • Tamales de Rajas con Queso

    Tamales de Rajas con Queso

    Ingredients:
    3 cups masa harina (corn dough)

    1 ยฝ cups chicken or vegetable broth (adjust for consistency)

    1 cup vegetable oil or melted butter

    1 tsp baking powder

    1 tsp salt

    3 cups shredded cheese (Oaxaca, mozzarella, or a blend)

    1-2 roasted poblano peppers, sliced into strips

    1 medium onion, sliced thinly

    1 cup green chile (or roasted poblano, optional)

    Corn husks for wrapping (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

    Directions:
    In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, salt, and baking powder.

    Add the vegetable oil or melted butter and gradually mix in the broth, stirring until a soft dough forms. The masa should be smooth and pliable.

    Set the masa aside and prepare the filling. Slice the roasted poblano peppers into strips and chop the onions.

    Lay a soaked corn husk flat on your surface. Spread a spoonful of masa on the husk, leaving space on both sides and the bottom.

    Add a few strips of roasted poblano peppers, some chopped onion, and a generous amount of cheese in the center.

    Carefully fold the sides of the husk toward the center and fold the bottom up to close the tamale.

    Steam the tamales in a large pot with a steamer basket, covering with a clean towel or extra husks to prevent steam from escaping. Steam for 1 to 1 ยฝ hours, or until the masa pulls away from the husk and the tamale is cooked through.

    Let the tamales rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

    Enjoy your delicious Tamales de Rajas con Queso! ๐ŸŒฎ๐Ÿง€

  • Tennessee Peach Pudding

    Tennessee Peach Pudding

    A classic Southern dessert, Tennessee Peach Pudding is a warm, buttery peach cobblerโ€“style pudding with juicy peaches baked into a soft cake-like batter and finished with a sweet syrup.

    Ingredients

    Peach Filling

    • 6โ€“8 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6 cups)
      (or 2 cans of sliced peaches, drained)
    • ยฝ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • ยผ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

    Pudding Batter

    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • ยฝ teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup milk
    • ยฝ cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Sweet Sauce (Optional but traditional)

    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 cup boiling water
    • ยผ cup butter
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions

    1. Prepare the peaches
      • Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
      • In a bowl, mix sliced peaches with sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
      • Let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices.
    2. Make the batter
      • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
      • Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
      • Do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine.
    3. Assemble
      • Grease a 9ร—13-inch baking dish.
      • Pour the batter into the dish.
      • Spoon the peaches and their juices evenly over the batter.
      • Do not stir โ€” the batter will rise around the peaches as it bakes.
    4. Bake
      • Bake for 45โ€“55 minutes, until golden brown and the center is set.
    5. Make the sauce (optional)
      • Combine sugar, boiling water, butter, and vanilla.
      • Stir until the sugar dissolves.
      • Pour over the hot pudding after it comes out of the oven.
    6. Serve
      • Let cool for 10โ€“15 minutes.
      • Serve warm with:
        • vanilla ice cream ๐Ÿจ
        • whipped cream
        • a drizzle of caramel sauce

    Tips

    • For the best flavor, use ripe summer peaches.
    • A mix of peaches and a handful of blueberries is a popular Southern variation.
    • It tastes even better the next day after the flavors settle.
  • Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

    Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

    This creamy potato soup with bacon is a rich, comforting soup made with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, onions, garlic, and a velvety cream base. Itโ€™s similar to a loaded baked potato soup and is perfect for cold days.

    Ingredients (Serves 6โ€“8)

    Soup:

    • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
    • 1 large yellow onion, diced
    • 4 garlic cloves, minced
    • 4 tablespoons butter
    • ยผ cup all-purpose flour
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 2 cups whole milk
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 3 lbs (1.4 kg) russet potatoes, peeled and diced
    • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • ยฝ teaspoon onion powder
    • ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 bay leaf

    For finishing:

    • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
    • ยฝ cup sour cream
    • ยผ cup chopped green onions or chives
    • Extra crispy bacon pieces
    • Extra cheese for topping

    Instructions

    1. Cook the bacon

    1. Heat a large soup pot over medium heat.
    2. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy.
    3. Remove bacon and place on paper towels.
    4. Leave about 2โ€“3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.

    2. Cook the vegetables

    1. Add butter to the bacon fat.
    2. Add diced onion and cook for 4โ€“5 minutes until softened.
    3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

    3. Make the creamy base

    1. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly for 1โ€“2 minutes.
    2. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
    3. Add milk and heavy cream.
    4. Stir until smooth.

    4. Cook the potatoes

    1. Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, and bay leaf.
    2. Bring to a gentle simmer.
    3. Cook uncovered for 20โ€“25 minutes until potatoes are very tender.

    5. Make it creamy

    1. Remove the bay leaf.
    2. Mash some potatoes directly in the pot with a potato masher for a thicker texture.

    For an extra smooth soup:

    • Blend about half the soup with an immersion blender, leaving some potato chunks.

    6. Finish the soup

    1. Stir in:
      • Sour cream
      • Shredded cheddar cheese
      • Half of the cooked bacon
    2. Taste and adjust seasoning.

    Serve topped with:

    • Crispy bacon pieces
    • Cheddar cheese
    • Green onions/chives
    • A spoonful of sour cream
    • Fresh cracked black pepper

    Restaurant-Style Tips:

    • Use russet potatoes for the creamiest texture.
    • Donโ€™t boil aggressively after adding dairy โ€” keep it at a gentle simmer.
    • Add a splash of buttermilk at the end for a tangy, loaded baked potato flavor.
    • For extra richness, replace ยฝ cup of milk with more heavy cream.

    Storage: Keeps in the refrigerator for 3โ€“4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little milk if it thickens too much.

  • Spanish Rice for a BBQ

    Spanish Rice for a BBQ

    Spanish Rice for a BBQ (Mexican-Style Restaurant Rice)

    This Spanish rice (often called Mexican rice) is the perfect BBQ side dish โ€” fluffy, flavorful, slightly smoky, and great with grilled meats, tacos, burgers, chicken, or ribs.

    Ingredients (Serves 6โ€“8)

    • 2 cups long-grain white rice
    • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or lard for a more traditional flavor)
    • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 cup tomato sauce
    • 2 medium Roma tomatoes, blended (or 1 cup crushed tomatoes)
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
    • ยฝ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
    • ยฝ cup corn kernels (optional)
    • Fresh cilantro for garnish
    • Lime wedges for serving

    Instructions

    1. Toast the rice

    1. Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
    2. Drain well.
    3. Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
    4. Add rice and cook for 5โ€“8 minutes, stirring often, until the grains turn golden and smell nutty.

    (This step is the secret to restaurant-style Mexican rice.)


    2. Add aromatics

    1. Add diced onion and cook for 2โ€“3 minutes.
    2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

    3. Add tomato and spices

    Add:

    • Tomato sauce
    • Blended tomatoes
    • Cumin
    • Chili powder
    • Smoked paprika
    • Mexican oregano
    • Salt

    Cook for 2โ€“3 minutes until the tomato mixture slightly thickens.


    4. Cook the rice

    1. Add chicken broth and bay leaf.
    2. Bring to a boil.
    3. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18โ€“20 minutes.
    4. Do not stir while cooking.

    5. Finish

    1. Turn off heat and let the rice rest covered for 10 minutes.
    2. Remove bay leaf.
    3. Fluff gently with a fork.
    4. Mix in peas, carrots, and corn if using.
    5. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime.

    BBQ Upgrade Version ๐Ÿ”ฅ

    For a smoky BBQ-style Mexican rice:

    • Replace 1 cup of chicken broth with beef broth
    • Add ยฝ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • Cook a few minutes longer uncovered at the end to create slightly crispy bits on the bottom (tostadito)

    Pairs especially well with:

    • Carne asada
    • Grilled chicken
    • Pulled pork
    • BBQ ribs
    • Fajitas
    • Picadillo with green beans (the recipe above)