Cilantro and Lime Rice

One of the things that I liked about Chipotles burritos was the cilantro and lime rice. I often enjoy trying to replicate recipes that I remember having had somewhere else and I knew that I would have to try making the cilantro and lime rice. Of course the first way to make it that popped into my mind was the simplest way, just mix in some chopped cilantro, lime juice and lime zest after the rice is finished cooking. This way has the advantage of being quick and easy and you can use a rice cooker to make it even easier. But I thought, why not take the opportunity to make it better. I like the flavour that toasting the rice in oil before cooking adds and since I was going to be using some oil anyways, why not add some onions and garlic to fill out the rice a bit more. I like to use brown rice whenever possible and I thought this was the perfect time to do so. The cilantro and lime rice turned out really well. It was light and fluffy and the lime juice and zest added a nice freshness to the rice. Cilantro is one of the flavours that I associate with Mexican cuisine so it was right at home in the rice as well. I used the cilantro and lime rice in the burritos that I recently made, though it would also make for a great side dish.

Cilantro and Lime Rice

(makes 4+ side dish servings)
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 onion (chopped)
1 clove garlic (chopped)
1 cup long grained rice (I like to use brown)
2 cups water
1 handful cilantro (chopped)
1 lime (juice and zest)

Directions:
1. Heat the oil in a pan.
2. Add the onion and saute until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about a minute.
4. Add the rice and toast in the oil for a few minutes.
5. Add the water, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered until tender, about 20 minutes for white rice or 40-50 minutes for brown.
6. Remove from the heat and mix in the cilantro, lime juice and zest.

Similar Recipes:
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Mexican Rice
Cheesy Broccoli Rice
Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice)
Onion and Cilantro Relish
Cilantro and Lime Refried Beans
Mexican Quinoa

Use in:
Burritos
Burrito Bowls
Korean Short Rib Burrito
Pineapple Dak Bulgogi Burrito (Korean Spicy Pineapple BBQ Chicken Burrito)
Thai Chicken 'Mole'
Chipotle Butternut Squash and Black Bean Burrito Bowl

Serve with:
Chicken Mole