We all have side dish recipes we get into the habit of making over and over again when we don't feel like coming up with something new. They're easy to fall back on, but let's face it. They get boring. Rice is a versatile side that goes with just about anything, however always making it the same way is definitely going to get old. The great thing about rice is you can prepare it so many different ways. This Mexican-spin on the classic side is guaranteed to satisfy. If you've had Chipotle's Cilantro-Lime Rice then you'll love this recipe! It's almost identical. I make this to accompany most of my Mexican dishes. The fresh cilantro and lime juice give the rice a fresh, citrus, tangy taste. My trick, though, is to use sushi rice. Sushi rice is more sticky than regular rice. Hence the name "sticky rice". I specifically use Calrose Rice which is a California medium-grain falling in between true Japanese short-grain sticky rice and traditional long-grain fluffy rice. Feel free to use your favorite type of rice, but I definitely recommend trying Calrose at some point! To make this dish, simply prepare rice according to package directions. I use a rice maker. If you don't have one and you like rice - get one! It's amazing. You literally put the rice and water in it, turn it on, and it clicks off when your rice is perfectly cooked. They're very inexpensive on Amazon. Once your rice is done mix in your fresh cilantro and lime juice and that's it!
An interesting tidbit about cilantro... did you know it is a particularly controversial herb? My dad has always hated Chipotle's rice. After hearing a few other people also describe how the cilantro makes it taste almost like soap, I did some research. It all comes down to science. Generally people classify foods as having the same taste elements (i.e. sugar is sweet, lemons are sour, etc). Cilantro, however can be perceived very differently. The cilantro fragrance is made up of aldehydes which have fresh/herb-like scents as well as soap-like scents. It turns out some individuals are genetically predisposed to only pick up the soap-like scents. So if you aren't a fan of cilantro, blame your genetics! What are your opinions on cilantro? Love it or hate it?
- 1 cup medium-grain rice (or rice of your choice)
- 1½ cups water
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- 2 tbs. fresh lime juice
- Salt to taste
- Prepare rice according to package directions.
- Mix in cilantro and lime juice.
[…] Cilantro-Lime Rice […]