Cilantro Lime Rice (chipotle style)

By mahto

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati or any other long grained rice, rinsed lightly in cold water
• 1 tsp oil (for that authentic taste use 1 tbsp butter)
• 1-2 small limes
• 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
• 3 about 3 tbsp cilantro
• salt to taste

Preparation

Step 1

Soak the rice in some water for 10 minutes. Although it is not required, I find that it helps to keep the grains separate and avoids it getting mushy!

In a skillet, in low heat, add the butter/oil along with rice and sugar. Let the rice get coated with the oil. Once the rice gets aromatic add juice of 1 lime. Stir for a minute.

Add 2 cups of water and salt - cover and cook for about 10-15 minutes.


Check to see if the rice has absorbed all the water. ( Note: Some people like to cook Basmati with 1 cup water. For me 2 cups works well since I find that 1 cup gives a crunchy grain and is not completely cooked.)

Stir it v lightly and add chopped cilantro. You can add more if you like. Taste and add more lime juice if required. Remove from flame, fluff the rice lightly and let it sit for 1-2 minutes with the lid on.

You can optionally add lime wedges as garnish. I served it along with Frijoles Refritos ( Refried Beans). This rice goes very well with spicy and hot dishes. The flavors are simple though they burst with the freshness of lime and aroma of cilantro.