Mexican gastronomy is much more than moles, sauces or tortillas. Diversity is one of its essential characteristics, since each Mexican region has its own recipes and culinary traditions. For this reason, UNESCO declared it Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010, which is a quite deserved recognition for a wide, diverse cuisine, full of flavors and ingredients enjoyed worldwide.

Because of its versatility, rice is present in any of the three daily meals in each Mexican home. It is also a common side dish to other recipes. For further information, you can check https://mahatmarice.com/recipes/traditional-mexican-rice/ where you’ll find an interesting variety of typical Mexican dishes. Next, one of the most popular dishes prepared in that country.

Cilantro Lime Brown Rice

It is a quick and healthy dish, and a kitchen staple food because of its versatility. This cilantro lime brown rice is the perfect side dish for a variety of Mexican meals. Besides, if you have leftover green beans or vegetables, this is the right way to use them up. 

Ingredients

(4 servings)

• 1 ½ cups of long-grain brown rice or brown basmati rice, rinsed.
• 1 bay leaf.
• ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro.
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice (1 lime).
• 1 ½ teaspoons of lemon juice (1 small lemon).
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil.
• ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt.

Preparation

Set a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Pour in the rinsed rice and drop in the bay leaf. You need to cook the whole-grain rice with bay leaves to add savory flavors. Stir briefly the mix and let it boil for 30 minutes, reducing the heat if necessary to avoid overflow.

Drain the rice, return it to the pot, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes off the heat. Remove the bay leaf and separate the rice with a fork. Next, season it with lemon and lime juices and toss it with cilantro for a slightly tart, fresh taste.  Add extra-virgin olive oil and salt and stir to combine. Add additional salt if necessary. Cover until you’re ready to serve.

You can add more or less lime juice depending on your liking. Leftover rice will keep well in the refrigerator covered for up to 5 days. You can vary this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients. If you want some extra protein, stir 1 ½ cups of cooked black beans into the rice after cooking.

Even though any type of rice will change color with the seasoning mix, Mexican brown rice will result in a deep and rich shade of red with a delicate nutty taste.

Cilantro Lime Brown Rice Uses

You can combine cilantro lime brown rice with your Mexican meals. The best thing about this recipe is that it can be served as a tasty side or even as a main dish. Here are some serving options:

With any combination of the following:

• Beans: Refried beans or cooked beans.
• Salsa: Pico de gallo, red salsa or salsa verde.
• Avocado: Guacamole or avocado sauce or fresh avocado slices.

As a side dish

Cilantro lime rice is a suitable side dish. Here are some entrées that could go well with it:

• Tacos: Epic vegetarian tacos or any of these great options
• Enchiladas: veggie black bean enchiladas, black bean sweet potato enchiladas or roasted veggie enchilada casserole.

Definitely Mexican food offers you a wide range of cooking options. If you love both colorful, spicy and exotic dishes that are healthy and nutritious as well, you will have to taste the authentic flavor of cilantro lime brown rice!