BEST MEXICAN RICE RECIPE

BEST MEXICAN RICE RECIPE image

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Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 ounces tomatoes, very ripe and cored or 1 15 oz can tomatoes, drained
1 medium onion
3 medium jalapeños or 2 serranos
2 cups long grain white rice
1/3 cup canola oil
4 minced garlic cloves
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, minced
1 lime

Steps:

Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350. Process tomato and onion in processor or blender until pureed and thoroughly smooth. Transfer mixture to measuring cup and reserve exactly 2 cups. Discard excess. Remove ribs and seeds from 2 jalapeños and discard. Mince flesh and set aside. Mince remaining jalapeño. Set aside. Place rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until water runs clear- about 1 1/2 minutes.Shake rice vigorously to remove excess water.This step removes the starch from the rice so it will not stick. IF YOU OMIT THIS STEP YOUR RICE WILL NOT BE DRY AND FLUFFY. Heat oil in heavy bottomed oven-safe 12 inch Dutch oven with tight fitting lid over medium-high heat about 2 minutes. Drop a few rice grains in and if they sizzle then it is ready. Add rice and fry stirring until rice is light golden and translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Be careful that the oil doesn't get too hot too fast or the oil will splatter. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and 2 minced jalapeños and cook , stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in broth, pureed mixture, tomato paste, and salt. Increase heat to medium high, and bring to a boil. Cover pan and transfer pan to oven to bake until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, 30-35 minutes.Stir well after 15 minutes. Stir in cilantro, minced jalapeno to taste, and pass lime wedges separately.