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Mexican style cilantro lime rice served in a black dish with guacamole, tortilla chips and other condiments at the background.
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Cilantro Lime Rice

This Mexican dish is simply amazing in terms of flavor and taste. With just 6 ingredients, this vegan and gluten free rice is a winner in the kitchen in every way.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Course: Main Course, Mains
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 3 people
Calories: 296kcal

Equipment

  • 1 6 quart Instant Pot or a heavy bottomed pan if cooking on the stovetop
  • 1 ladle
  • 1 set measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp light olive oil or similar neutral flavored vegetable oil
  • 1 cup finely chopped white onions read recipe notes for more information
  • 1 cup Basmati rice
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1.25 cups vegetable stock
  • 1/2 cup tightly packed finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 tbsp lime juice

Instructions

  • Place rice in a colander.
  • Wash the rice thoroughly.
  • Transfer to a mixing bowl.
  • Add 2.5 cups water and allow it to soak for 10 minutes.
  • Start a kitchen timer to keep an eye on the time.
  • Insert the inner pot into the Instant Pot, plug in and press SAUTE MODE- NORMAL for 7 minutes.
  • Add oil and wait for the display to read HOT.
  • When it reads HOT, add the finely chopped onions and mix well.
  • Add salt to taste and saute the onions till they are soft and translucent.
  • It is important not to let the onions brown.
  • Drain the soaked Basmati rice and add to the pot.
  • Mix and saute for 30 seconds.
  • Please do not let the rice change color.
  • After 30 seconds, add the 1.25 cups of vegetable stock.
  • Stir well to combine.

Instant Pot Cooking Time & Mode

  • Press CANCEL.
  • Ensure that the sealing ring has been fitted properly into the lid.
  • Close the Instant Pot and turn the VALVE to SEALING.
  • Press PRESSURE COOK MODE- LOW PRESSURE and set the timer to 3 MINUTES.
  • Allow the cooking cycle to complete.
  • When done, wait for the pressure to release naturally.
  • After natural pressure release, open the lid and let it sit uncovered for 3 minutes.
  • After 3 minutes, add the finely chopped cilantro leaves and lime juice.
  • Gently mix using a wooden ladle or a silicon spatula.
  • After mixing, let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes before serving.
  • The rice absorbs the cilantro and lime flavors during this time.
  • Serve hot with desired accompaniments.

Stove top method

  • Heat a 5 quart Dutch oven or a similar heavy bottomed pan with oil.
  • Add the onions and salt. Mix and saute them till the onions are soft and translucent.
  • Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Mix well and toast the rice for 30 to 40 secs.
  • Add the stock now and stir well to combine.
  • Cook till the rice is tender and has absorbed the water fully.
  • This takes about 10 minutes on medium heat.
  • When done, take the pan off the heat, add the finely chopped cilantro leaves and lime juice.
  • Mix gently, taking care not to break the rice grains.
  • Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. 

Notes

  1. There are many recipes that call for using garlic in this dish. I skipped it since I wanted the cilantro and lime to shine through. If desired, you can add 1 tsp grated garlic.
  2. Do not soak the rice for longer than 10 minutes. Longer soaking time means mushy rice.
  3. Do not let the onions brown while sautéing them. When they become brown, the color of the rice changes to an unsightly light brown.
  4. Use only leaves and tender stems of the cilantro. Chop off 2 inches from the base of the stem and use the remaining.
  5. 1 cup of uncooked Basmati rice yields 3 to 3.5 cups cooked rice. If you plan to double the recipe, you can use this as a rough guide to estimate your quantity.
  6. Use limes that are fresh and juicy. While some recipes call for adding lime zest, I find that doing this gives a very slight bitter after taste to the rice, especially after reheating leftovers. So I recommend that you skip it.
  7. Instant pot timings may vary based on geographical location.
  8. Nutritional values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough estimate.

For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes

Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.

Nutrition

Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 1174mg | Potassium: 175mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 395IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg
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