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Flavorful Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

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A quick, easy, and zesty side dish featuring smoky chipotle chili powder, fresh lime juice, and cilantro mixed into fluffy long-grain white rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a vibrant accompaniment to grilled meats and tacos.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (about 280 grams)
  • 3 cups water or chicken broth (720 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (loosely packed)
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold running water in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear (about 1-2 minutes). Drain well.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until golden and nutty smelling.
  3. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir to coat the rice evenly. Add a pinch of smoked paprika if desired.
  4. Pour in 3 cups water or chicken broth. Stir once to combine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer gently for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Remove from heat and keep covered. Let the rice rest undisturbed for 10 minutes.
  7. Remove lid and fluff rice gently with a fork. Stir in juice of 2 limes and ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro. Adjust salt or lime juice to taste.
  8. Serve immediately as a flavorful side dish.

Notes

Rinse rice well to remove excess starch for fluffier texture. Toasting the rice adds a nutty flavor and keeps grains separate. Keep lid closed during simmering to trap steam for even cooking. Let rice rest after cooking to finish steaming. Add cilantro and lime juice at the end to preserve freshness and color. Adjust chipotle powder to control heat level.

Nutrition

Keywords: chipotle rice, cilantro lime rice, zesty side dish, smoky rice, easy rice recipe, Mexican side, quick rice, vegan rice, gluten-free rice

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/flavorful-chipotle-cilantro-lime-rice-recipe-easy-zesty-side-dish/