Mexican Rice with Cilantro Dressing

I just can’t help myself from ordering the same thing almost every time.

You got it, a chicken burrito, served enchilada style with verde sauce and cheese.  Add some Cafe Rio Style Black Beans on the side and Mexican Rice with Cilantro Dressing, tan bueno!

Mexican Rice with Cilantro Dressing

I’m not a big fan of traditional red Spanish rice, but Mexican Rice with Cilantro Dressing is amazingly flavorful.  It’s a splendid side, easy, zesty, and appealing, especially when garnished with fresh cilantro, a natural served with burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, and tacos.  For me, Cafe Rio and Costa Vida have helped to make their sides exciting and different.  Plain rice and refried beans seem so ho-hum.  Try carnitas or grilled chicken a top a bed of this stuff too.  Believe me, it’s hard to beat.

5 from 1 reviews

Mexican Rice with Cilantro Dressing

 

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Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

35 mins

Total time

45 mins

 

Enjoy this moist and flavorful Mexican Rice with Cilantro Dressing with all your south of the border favorites; tacos, enchiladas, burritos, tan bueno!!!

Author: Renée

Serves: 8 servings

Ingredients

Rice:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large white or yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies, mild
• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 3½ cups chicken broth without MSG
• salt to taste (I used about ¾ teaspoon)
• ½ to ¾ cup Cilantro Dressing

Cilantro Dressing:

• 1¼ cups packed chopped cilantro (about 1 small bunch)
• ¾ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon minced seeded Serrano chile

Instructions

Mexican Rice

1. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and green chilies. Cook until onion is soft, about 5-10 minutes over medium heat. Mix in rice, stir about 2 minutes. Mix in broth. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook until rice is tender and broth absorbed, about 15 minutes. Turn off heat and let rice sit, covered for 5 minutes. Transfer rice to serving platter or bowl. Let rice sit for about 5 more minutes to cool slightly. Pour dressing over rice, tossing gently together.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Can be prepared ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

Cilantro Dressing

1. Combine all dressing ingredients in blender or food processor, blend until smooth.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Can be made one day ahead.
4. Chill.

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