Mexican Rice

Looking for a side dish for fajitas, tostadas or the frozen taquitos you've had in the freezer for the past 2 months?  (Mine have been in the freezer about that long....).  Here's a simple side that's sure to delight the taste buds.

Step 1: Ingredients

Ingredients 

- 1/2 cup of rice
- 1 1/2 tbps of canola or vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp of ground cumin*
- 1/2 tsp of onion powder*
- 1/2 tsp of garlic powder*
- 1/2 cup of tomato sauce**
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water (I used water this time).**
- salt
- lemon (optional)

* The amounts for the spices are estimations.  I don't count how many times I shake the container.  Sorry!

**I like to mix the liquids in a small bowl before I start to save time.

Step 2: Rice It UP!

Turn your stove on to about medium hi.  Add your oil.  Let your oil heat up.  Measure out 1/2 cup of rice.  Once your oil is feeling pretty warm, add your rice.  You should hear a slight sizzle.  Stir the rice around, you want to achieve a light brown color and you'll be able to smell a nutty flavor.  Sprinkle in your spices and stir.  It smells wonderful!  Turn the heat down to medium low.  Add your tomato sauce, water (or chicken broth) and salt.  Stir it up!

Step 3: Put a Lid on It!

Yup, put a lid on the pot and set the timer for 13 minutes.  If you double this recipe, make it 18 - 20 minutes.  DO NOT DISTURB THE RICE!!  NO STIRRING, NO PEEKING, NOTHING!!  People always make this mistake.  If you can't control yourself you will get hard inedible rice and a frowny face.  Leave it alone and wait for the beep unless your nose smells something burning....

Step 4: Beep, Beep, Beep!

Carefully remove the lid and peek.  Is it a bright beautiful sunset orange?  Does it smell yummiriffic?  Do you wish to eat the scalding hot rice?  It's done!!  I love squeezing some lemon juice on top for just a little more flavor!

This rice sure did make my 2 month old frozen taquitos taste SOOOO  much better.  Happy Eating!