Cilantro Lime Basmati Rice

Cilantro lime rice is an excellent served along Mexican-inspired and Asian-inspired meals. Make a large batch and follow my directions below (see Notes) to freeze in small portions for a quick side dish on a busy weeknight.

Items used to make this recipe:

(affiliate links)

• basmati rice https://amzn.to/3cambTk

• citrus squeezer https://amzn.to/3pzqNWi

• microplane zester https://amzn.to/3CnkJYn

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Cilantro Lime Basmati Rice

makes about 5 cups

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided

• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 1/4 cups water

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• zest of 1 lime

• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 1/2 limes)

• 1 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves

Directions

1. In a 3-quart or larger saucepan with a tight fitting lid, cook the dry rice in half of the butter until toasted.

2. Add the garlic and continue stirring for 30-60 seconds until fragrant; immediately stir in water, salt, and lime zest.

3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover for 15 minutes.

4. Remove cover and stir in lime juice,

5. Stir in remaining butter until melted, followed by cilantro leaves.

Note

• Leftover rice can be frozen in an airtight container. To serve, microwave for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

adapted from SimplyRecipes

Pico de Gallo

No Mexican-Inspired meal is complete without a bowl of tasty Pico de Gallo on the table!

Pico de Gallo

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound roma tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped

• 1/2 cup finely chopped red or white onion

• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely minced

• juice of 1 lime

• l/4 cup (or more) freshly chopped cilantro

• kosher salt to taste

Directions

1. Toss all ingredients together about 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Pico is best served fresh so try not to make more than you’ll need (the texture will soften and the colors will dull with time).

• If you do have leftovers, store them in the fridge in an airtight container to prevent flavors from transferring to other foods.

• Leftover Pico De Gallo is great stirred into guacamole or macaroni and cheese.