Best Cilantro Serrano Chile Rice Recipes

CILANTRO RICE

Steps:

• Combine cilantro, garlic, chile, and 2 cups broth in a blender and process until smooth; set aside.
• Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add rice and salt stir to coat in oil and cook until rice becomes opaque, about 2 minutes. Carefully pour the cilantro mixture and the remaining 1 1/3 cups broth into the rice and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low so rice is at a simmer. Cover and cook until rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Turn off heat and let rice rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork and serve.

CILANTRO RICE

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil, then stir in the onion powder and cilantro stems until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the rice and stir until oil-slicked, just a few seconds.
• Add 1 1/2 cups water, raise the heat to high and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan and cook until all of the water is absorbed, 17 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, to steam for 10 more minutes.
• Fold in the salt, cilantro leaves, jalapeño and lime juice. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and lime juice as desired.

MARIA'S MEXICAN RICE

Steps:

• Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir rice and onion in the hot oil until browned, about 5 minutes; season with salt, cumin, and pepper. Pour water over the rice mixture. Stir tomato sauce and chicken bouillon into the water. Increase heat to medium-high, place a cover on the saucepan, and bring to a boil. Add serrano chile pepper and continue cooking at a boil for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes more.

MEXICAN RICE

Steps:

• Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and serrano; sauté until onion is translucent, about 9 minutes. Mix in rice; stir 2 minutes. Mix in broth and salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook until rice is just tender and broth is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes.
• Transfer rice to bowl; cool to barely lukewarm, stirring occasionally, about 1 1/2 hours. Add 1/2 cup Cilantro Dressing to rice; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)

GREEN CHILE CILANTRO RICE WITH PEPITAS

Steps:

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the chicken stock and the Green Chile Sauce to a simmer. Hold warm.
• In a large, enameled cast-iron Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the oil. When hot, add the onions and serrano chiles and saute until the onion is just starting to color, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Add the rice and stir to coat, Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the rice a bit. Add the garlic, salt and pepper and stir to combine.
• Ladle in the chicken stock and green chile mix, about 1 cup at a time, stirring and allowing the rice to absorb the liquid. Do this 3 to 4 times, and then add the rest of the liquid. Stir, cover tightly and cook for 12 to 16 minutes, stirring twice during this time.
• Add the lime juice and cilantro and stir to combine. Place in serving bowl and garnish with the pepitas.
• In a small Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the oil. When hot, add the onions and jalapeno and saute until just starting to caramelize, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more.
• Reduce the heat to medium, sprinkle the onion mixture with the flour and stir constantly until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add the reserved liquid from the chiles, 1 cup water, the vinegar and salt and stir until the liquid is smooth and all the flour is dissolved.
• Add the chiles and pepper and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes. Puree in a blender, or with a stick blender, and add the lime juice. Adjust to taste for salt and pepper. Refrigerate for up to 1 week. Yield: 4 1/2 cups