Discover the Authentic Flavors- Mastering the Art of Making Mexican Orange Rice

How to Make Mexican Orange Rice

Mexican orange rice is a delightful and vibrant dish that combines the sweet tang of oranges with the savory flavors of Mexican cuisine. This dish is not only a visually stunning side but also a delicious accompaniment to a variety of Mexican dishes. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply want to add a touch of exotic flair to your meal, making Mexican orange rice is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create this flavorful and aromatic rice dish.

Ingredients

To make Mexican orange rice, you will need the following ingredients:

– 2 cups of long-grain white rice
– 1 large orange, peeled and diced
– 1 cup of frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup of black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 can (8 oz) of tomato sauce
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cumin, and chili powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add the rinsed rice to the pot, ensuring that each grain is coated with the tomato mixture.
6. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.
8. While the rice is cooking, in a separate pan, sauté the diced orange and corn kernels in a tablespoon of vegetable oil until the orange pieces are slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
9. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the sautéed orange and corn mixture.
10. If desired, garnish the Mexican orange rice with fresh cilantro.
11. Serve warm as a side dish with your favorite Mexican entrees.

Mexican orange rice is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor and color to any meal. With its combination of sweet oranges, savory tomatoes, and aromatic spices, this rice dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find that making Mexican orange rice is a simple and rewarding process that adds a touch of Mexican charm to your table.