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Flavorful Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

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A quick and easy side dish combining smoky chipotle, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime for a flavorful and vibrant rice perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (about 190g), rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (480ml)
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 medium lime)
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: finely diced jalapeño or a splash of adobo sauce from canned chipotles

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  2. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and sauté, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until translucent and nutty smelling.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and chipotle chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Pour in broth and season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Turn off heat and let the rice steam, covered, for another 10 minutes.
  7. Remove lid and fluff rice gently with a fork. Stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest. Adjust salt or chipotle powder to taste.
  8. Serve warm as a side dish.

Notes

Do not skip rinsing the rice to avoid clumping. Toasting the rice adds a nutty flavor. Avoid burning garlic and chipotle powder by stirring constantly. Use broth instead of water for richer flavor. Do not lift the lid while cooking to trap steam. Add lime juice and zest after cooking to preserve freshness. Fluff rice gently with a fork to keep grains separate. Adjust chipotle powder to taste for desired heat. Optional additions include jalapeño or adobo sauce for extra spice.

Nutrition

Keywords: chipotle rice, cilantro lime rice, smoky rice, easy side dish, Mexican rice, zesty rice, quick rice recipe

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/flavorful-chipotle-cilantro-lime-rice-recipe-easy-zesty-freshness/