A healthier version of a takeout staple.
As a wholesome spin on a Tex-Mex classic, this rice adds a unique nuttiness to your dinner table. It can be dressed up with chunky salsa, cilantro, and/or jalapeños, but whether you’re going spicier or greener, the potential for this easy one-pot dish is seemingly endless. It could very well be the next family favorite in your home…
Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also quite affordable, especially when compared to Mexican takeout. The ingredients are common staples in most homes, so you won’t need to go looking very far to find what you need. In a pinch, it can be the perfect base for a hearty meal and an easy introduction to Mexican food for family and friends. Even if you prefer the taste of white rice to brown rice, the mix of sweetness and acidity in the tomato sauce and the savory punch of the broth make brown rice so flavorful that it might make you reconsider.
Is This Mexican Brown Rice Healthy?
Overall, this dish is healthy because it’s made with a whole grain and no unhealthy additives. Did you know that all white rice starts out as brown rice? When rice goes through the milling process, it is stripped of the bran (outer husk) and the germ (seed embryo). Since brown rice retains the nutritious bran and germ, it’s higher in fiber, magnesium, potassium, and iron, making brown rice a healthier choice than white rice. However, it’s important to ensure the rice’s quality and purity by rinsing it before cooking.
This dish also uses olive oil, which is one of the healthiest oils to cook with because it’s high in monounsaturated fats. What’s more, we use low-sodium broth to avoid unnecessary salt intake. This dish is gluten-free and vegan and can be used as a base for nearly any meal.
Mexican Rice Vs. Spanish Rice
There are a few differences. Spanish rice is firm, while Mexican rice is softer. Mexican rice notably calls for cumin, a pungent, earthy, and slightly bitter spice. In terms of color, Mexican rice is orange/red from the tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. Spanish rice, on the other hand, is known for its bright yellow color, which comes from the saffron. This floral, earthy spice is also a key ingredient in paella, an iconic Spanish rice dish that is typically seafood-heavy. By the way, you can substitute brown rice for white rice while making Spanish rice, too!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or the freezer for 3 months. Defrost frozen rice in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can either microwave and stir every 30 seconds, or you can sauté on the stove with a bit of avocado oil. This dish can also be repurposed in Chicken Mexican Rice Casserole!
Serving Suggestions
As you can see, this recipe makes the perfect base for nearly any dish, so there are several options to choose from. Whip up some beans, chop some veggies, and assemble your favorite shredded cheeses for a healthy vegetarian make-your-own-taco station. Or serve this rice as a side for these heavenly Twice-Baked Mexican Sweet Potatoes, which offer a unique twist to your Tex-Mex breakfast or brunch. Another great pairing is Green Chicken Enchiladas (With Salsa Verde), which are equally full of protein and fantastic flavor. Lastly, you could try topping this rice with three-bean Mexican salad, making a bright kind of Tex-Mex Buddha bowl. This can be topped with your favorite hot sauce or salsa, sliced avocado, or fresh cilantro. Have fun and enjoy your fiesta!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups uncooked brown rice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds.
- Add the brown rice to the skillet, stirring until evenly coated, and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Mix in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and cumin, stirring to combine.
- Increase the heat to high, cover with a lid, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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