Traditional dishes are the result of a combination of local flavors and influences from other regions. These dishes are created by people using different ingredients and cooking techniques, which were passed through generations and conserving their cultural expression and identity.
Every country’s gastronomy is composed of a huge variety of recipes, presenting the essence of people’s culture and habits. If you want to know a specific region, you will only have to try its foods and get the complete image of the spirit of that country.
Nowadays, you do not even have to travel to try traditional dishes from other countries. You can surf the web and find classic recipes from every country in the world. You will also get tips and advice for making your cooking experience more real and close to its original flavor. The options for getting flavors of the world are countless. If you want to get to know Italy, prepare a creamy risotto; Japan, make fresh sushi; or for a Mexican feast, try red rice.
All kinds of recipes, from savory to sugary dishes, are available for you to prepare. Your imagination is your limit; you have to remember to follow the steps for preparation and get the right ingredients.
Mexican typical flavors
Mexican cuisine includes typical spicy dishes and a dynamic cultural heritage since family recipes are passed on from generation to generation, and there are no two rice dishes that look or taste the same. People in the northern regions of the country usually serve rice dishes with chicken broth and tomato flavors. However, in southern states, white rice and beans is a more common recipe.
Mexican people usually add basic ingredients such as broth, tomato, onion, and garlic, and that is known as “Mexican rice”, i.e: cooked like Mexicans cook it.
Rice is a popular staple food in this country, so you will find diverse recipes using rice as the main ingredient. This grain is so blank that Mexicans cook it with different ingredients for their daily diet.
Rice is present in traditional savory dishes like Mexican rice; sugary meals as the popular Arroz con Leche, and beverages like horchata.
If you want to surprise your family with your culinary skills, consult https://mahatmarice.com/recipes/traditional-mexican-rice/ you will find the best and delicious dishes. Below are three iconic Mexican rice recipes:
Easy Authentic Mexican Rice
This is an easy side dish cooked with tomato sauce, onion and garlic powder. You can add fresh tomato, red or green bell pepper to the rice before simmering for extra color and flavor if you want. Use chicken broth instead of water for a stronger taste.
Prep time: 25 minutes Servings: 8
Ingredients
- ¼ cup of canola oil.
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder.
- 1 cup of uncooked white rice.
- 1 ½ cups of water.
- 1 (6.5 ounces) can of tomato sauce.
Directions
In a skillet over medium-high with canola oil seasoned with onion and garlic powder, cook and stir the rice for approx. 2 to 4 minutes, until it starts getting that typical golden shade. Pour water and tomato sauce and stir. Wait for the mix to boil, put a lid on the skillet and set the heat to low. Cook until the rice is tender.
Restaurant Style Mexican Rice
This recipe will result in a bit of dry rice, with a perfect texture to pair it with beans or filling burritos, enchiladas, or tacos.
Prep time: 25 minutes Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice.
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin.
- 1/2 cup of tomato sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- 14 ounces of chicken broth.
- 3 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh cilantro.
Directions
Pour oil in a large saucepan and heat it over medium-low. Add the rice and gently stir until the rice begins to get brownish. Add the salt, garlic, and cumin and mix until rice turns golden.
Add the chicken broth and the tomato sauce and raise to medium-high heat. Let it boil and then lower the heat and cover the pan. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in chopped cilantro fluffing rice well with a fork.
Traditional Mexican Rice
This is a simple, authentic Mexican rice recipe just like many Mexican restaurants cook it. Its unique flavor comes from the combination of tomatoes, carrots, white rice, stock (vegetables or chicken), and seasonings with annatto, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder.
Ingredients
- 2 small Roma tomatoes.
- 3 peeled cloves of garlic.
- 2 tablespoons of canola oil.
- 2 cups of long-grain white rice.
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- ½ teaspoon of coriander and annatto seasoning.
- Garnish chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Directions
Chop the Roma tomatoes into medium-coarse pieces. Mix them in a blender with the garlic cloves, and ¾ cup of water, until smooth. Pour the mixture into a measuring cup. In a large saucepan put the oil over medium heat. Add the rice and cook for about one minute, stirring occasionally. Then add 3 cups of water, 1 cup of the tomato mixture, annatto seasoning, and salt. Stir to blend.
Wait for it to boil, put a lid on and lower the heat. Cook for 20 minutes, then remove and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff and stir with a fork, then serve. Finally, the best way to surprise your family is by cooking some of these genuine Mexican rice recipes. Go ahead and have a good appetite!
Tips for cooking perfect Mexican rice
- Use high-quality long-grain white rice.
- Rinse rice before cooking.
- Cook with vegetables or chicken broth instead of water.
- Sauté rice until it is golden brown before adding the broth.
- Use garnish when serving the dish.
- Add hot sauce at the end for getting that peculiar Mexican spicy flavor.
- You can add lime juice at the end for a fresh taste.
- Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.