Mexican Restaurant Style Rice

What is it about the rice at Mexican restaurants?  It is so delicious and yet, it has been a challenge to make at home!

I have been trying to perfect this one for well over a year and I finally think I’ve got it!  Finding that flavor balance and getting the right shade of orange was the key and ultimately came down to the correction ratio of tomato paste and tomato bullion powder.

Of course, everyone’s tastes differ, so that ratio could be different from person to person, but this one is perfect for our taste buds!

Mexican Restaurant Style Rice

Adapted from Tastes Better from Scratch

¾ cup long grain white rice (or basmati rice)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼  small onion, diced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 carrot, peeled & diced

¼ cup peas, optional

¼ cup corn

2 teaspoons tomato bullion powder

Salt, to taste

1 ½ cups water

Heat the oil in a skillet.  Add the rice, onion, and garlic, and saute for 3 minutes.

Stir in the remaining ingredients.  Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and rice is tender.  Fluff and serve.