Description
Rotel Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish featuring long-grain white rice cooked with zesty Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. This simple recipe combines aromatic seasonings and broth to create a vibrant, tender rice dish perfect for pairing with your favorite main meals or enjoying on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz), undrained
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat and Toast Rice: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes lightly golden, which helps to enhance the nutty flavor of the rice.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the undrained Rotel tomatoes and broth. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and fully absorb flavors. Then, fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the rice to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm as a vibrant and flavorful side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian.
- Adjust the amount of Rotel tomatoes based on your preferred level of spiciness.
- For extra flavor, sauté finely chopped onions along with the rice before adding liquids.
- This recipe pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, or as a base for burrito bowls.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
