Recipe for Vegetarian Mexican Rice That Tastes Amazing

Mexican rice is a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, known for its vibrant color, rich flavors, and comforting texture. Creating a vegetarian version of this classic dish not only caters to plant-based diets but also brings out the natural goodness of fresh vegetables combined with aromatic spices.

Whether you’re looking for a side to accompany your tacos or a hearty base for a veggie bowl, this vegetarian Mexican rice recipe is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

This recipe beautifully balances the earthy flavors of sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers with the subtle heat of chili powder and the freshness of cilantro and lime. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra vegetables, making it a nutritious choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

If you’ve tried other delicious vegetable dishes, you might also enjoy exploring Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or the wholesome Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian Mexican rice recipe stands out because it’s:

• Flavorful and vibrant: The perfect combination of spices and fresh vegetables creates a mouthwatering dish that complements any meal.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is great for beginners and busy cooks alike.
• Nutritious: Packed with veggies and wholesome rice, it’s a balanced side or main dish option.
• Customizable: You can easily add or swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Vegetarian and vegan-friendly: No animal products here, but plenty of taste and satisfaction!

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Optional garnish: sliced avocado, lime wedges

Equipment

• Medium-sized saucepan with a lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch for fluffy rice.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Toast the rice: Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir constantly for 3-5 minutes. The rice will start to turn a light golden color; this step adds a nutty flavor and helps the rice cook evenly.
4. Add vegetables and spices: Stir in the diced tomato, red bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to soften the vegetables and allow the spices to bloom.
5. Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Add peas: About 5 minutes before the rice is done cooking, sprinkle in the frozen peas if using, and stir gently. Cover and continue cooking until peas are heated through.
7. Finish and fluff: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the fresh chopped cilantro and lime juice.
8. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced avocado and lime wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth of flavor, try using fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes. If you want a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the sautéing step.

Feel free to swap the white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist, but keep in mind the cooking times will vary. You can also add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or black beans to make this dish even heartier.

For a cheesy variation, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or cotija cheese on top just before serving. To keep it vegan, use a plant-based cheese or omit altogether.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian Mexican rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside black bean tacos, enchiladas, or grilled veggies for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

It also works great as a filling for stuffed peppers or burritos.

For a balanced plate, add a fresh salad or guacamole on the side. You might enjoy complementing this dish with other flavorful recipes like Vegetarian Recipes for Cinco de Mayo: Festive & Easy Idea or the creamy comfort of Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Conclusion

Vegetarian Mexican rice is a delicious, versatile, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bright colors and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the hearty texture, makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks looking for a quick, wholesome meal.

Whether served as a side or a main dish, this recipe invites creativity and customization. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or spices to suit your taste.

For more tasty vegetarian dishes, check out our collection of Healthy Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals and discover a world of plant-based flavors that delight the palate and nourish the body.

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