Mexican rice, also known as "arroz rojo" or "red rice," is a staple dish in Mexican cuisine. This flavorful and versatile side dish is a must-have for any Mexican feast. While there are many different variations of this dish, one ingredient that truly elevates the flavor and authenticity of Mexican rice is epazote. Widely used in Mexican cooking, epazote is a unique herb that adds a distinct flavor to dishes. In this article, we will explore the history and benefits of using epazote in Mexican rice and share a delicious recipe from renowned Mexican chef Pati Jinich.
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Boneless Pork Shoulder, Kosher Salt, Ground
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, look no further than this delicious Frijol con Puerco recipe. This classic Mexican stew combines tender chunks of pork with the rich, savory flavors of black beans, tomatoes, and spices. It's the perfect comfort food to warm you up on a chilly day, and it's easy to make in large batches for a crowd.
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Pozole Verde
Main Ingredients: Pork, Chicken Stock, Boneless Pork Shoulder, White
Pozole Verde is a traditional Mexican soup made with hominy, pork, and a flavorful green sauce. The sauce is made from tomatillos, green chilies, and cilantro, giving the soup a bright and tangy flavor. This dish is often served at celebrations and special occasions, but it's also a great option for a hearty and satisfying meal any day of the week.
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Mexican Pinto Beans and Tomatillo Cilantro Lime Rice
Main Ingredients: Dried Pinto Beans, Water, Coarse Salt, Oil, Garlic
This recipe takes the classic combination of beans and rice to a whole new level. The pinto beans are cooked with onions, garlic, and spices for a rich and savory flavor, while the tomatillo cilantro lime rice adds a fresh and zesty twist. Serve this dish as a side or as a vegetarian main course, and watch it become a new family favorite.
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Tomato Green Chile Seafood Stew
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Garlic, Jalapenos, White Onion, Water, Kosher
This seafood stew is bursting with bold Mexican flavors. It's made with a combination of shrimp, scallops, and cod, along with a spicy tomato and green chili broth. It's a great way to mix up your usual seafood dishes and add some heat to your dinner table.
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Tacos y Sopa de Pollo Gastado
Main Ingredients: Hen, Celery, Parsley, Roma Tomatoes, Medium Carrots
This recipe is a two-in-one deal, offering both delicious chicken tacos and a flavorful chicken soup. The chicken is first cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables and spices, then shredded and used as a filling for tacos. The remaining broth is then turned into a comforting and tasty soup. It's a great way to get two meals out of one cooking session.
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Everything But The Kitchen Sink Rice
Main Ingredients: Fish, Tomatoes, Jalapeno Chiles, Garlic Cloves, White
As the name suggests, this rice dish is packed with a variety of ingredients, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal all on its own. It includes rice, beans, corn, vegetables, and your choice of protein, all cooked together in a delicious blend of spices and sauces. It's a great way to use up any leftover ingredients in your fridge and create a delicious, one-pot meal.
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Mexican Beans From Scratch
Main Ingredients: Dried Beans, White Onion, Garlic, Sea Salt, Epazote
While canned beans are convenient, there's nothing quite like the flavor of beans cooked from scratch. This recipe walks you through the process of soaking and cooking dried beans, resulting in a flavorful and hearty side dish. Add some spices and herbs to elevate the flavor, and you'll never go back to canned beans again.
Menudo is a beloved Mexican dish made with tripe, a type of edible lining from a cow's stomach. This vegan version swaps out the tripe for mushrooms, creating a flavorful and hearty soup that is completely meat-free. It's perfect for vegans or anyone looking to try a new and unique dish.
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Spicy Mexican Style Cole Slaw
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Carrots, Sweet Onion, Pickled Jalapenos
This coleslaw recipe adds a spicy twist to the classic side dish. Made with a blend of cabbage, jalapeno peppers, and a zesty dressing, it's the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican meal. Serve it alongside tacos, enchiladas, or any other dish that could use a bit of heat and crunch.
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Quicker Authentic Mexican Black Beans
Main Ingredients: Black Beans, White Onion, Garlic, Bacon, Epazote, Salt
Black beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and this recipe offers a quicker and simpler way to cook them without sacrificing flavor. The beans are cooked with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, resulting in a rich and savory side dish. It's the perfect addition to any Mexican meal or can be used as a filling for burritos or tacos.
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Smoky Mexican Oyster Mushroom Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Water, Oyster Mushrooms, Thyme
Mushroom lovers will enjoy this unique and flavorful soup that highlights the smoky and earthy flavors of oyster mushrooms. Along with traditional Mexican seasonings, the soup also includes chipotle peppers, giving it a spicy and smoky kick. It's a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to try a new and delicious soup.
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Mexican Chirmol Sauce
Main Ingredients: Tortillas, Ancho Chiles, Garlic, White Onion, Roma
This versatile sauce can be used as a dip, spread, or marinade, making it a great addition to any Mexican dish. It's made with a blend of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices, resulting in a flavorful and slightly spicy sauce. Use it on tacos, burritos, or as a topping for grilled meats or vegetables.
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Mexican Style Easy Corn Chowder
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Bacon Strips, Yellow Onion, Medium
Corn chowder gets a Mexican twist in this delicious and easy recipe. The chowder is made with corn, potatoes, and a blend of Mexican spices, creating a hearty and satisfying soup. It's the perfect comfort food on a cold day, and it's quick and easy to make with just a few ingredients.
This salad is a great way to bring the flavors of Mexican street corn to your dinner table. Grilled corn is mixed with a blend of spices, cilantro, and cheese, creating a tangy and savory side dish. It's a great option for summer cookouts or as a side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal.
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IRRESISTIBLE GREEN POZOLE
Main Ingredients: Hominy, White Onion, Garlic, Bay Leaf, Salt, Skinless
Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup made with hominy, meat, and a flavorful broth. This recipe adds a twist by using green chilies and tomatillos, giving the soup a tangy and slightly spicy flavor. It's a great option for a hearty and comforting meal, and it's easy to customize with your choice of meat or toppings.
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Chef Canalizo’s Tlayuda, aka Mexican Pizza
Main Ingredients: Black Beans, Garlic, White Onions, Oil, Chipotle Puree
This unique and delicious dish is often referred to as a Mexican pizza, but it's so much more than that. A large tortilla is topped with beans, cheese, and your choice of toppings, then baked until crispy and golden. It's a fun and tasty way to mix up your usual pizza night and try something new.
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Vegetarian Mexican Style Black Beans
Main Ingredients: Dried Black Beans, Sea Salt, Carrot, Garlic Cloves
These flavorful and hearty black beans are perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a meatless meal option. The beans are cooked with a blend of spices and vegetables, creating a rich and satisfying dish. Serve them as a side or use them as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
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Mexican Drunken Salsa with 3 Alcohols – Salsa Borracha...
Main Ingredients: Chilies, Beef Fat, Lard, Garlic, Heirloom Tomatoes
This unique salsa recipe includes not one, but three types of alcohol, giving it a unique and bold flavor. The salsa is made with roasted tomatoes, onions, and peppers, then blended with tequila, beer, and mezcal. It's a great dip for chips or a topping for tacos, and it's sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.
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Mexican Spicy Roasted Shrimp & Potatoes Stew
Main Ingredients: Medium Onion, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Tomatoes, Extra
This hearty and flavorful stew is packed with tender shrimp, potatoes, and a spicy tomato broth. The dish is cooked in one pot, making it easy to prepare and clean up. It's a great option for a filling and satisfying meal that's sure to warm you up on a chilly evening.
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Mexican Instant Pot Pork & Bean Soup (Carne en su Jugo)
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Minced Fresh Garlic
This soup is a great option for a quick and easy meal using your Instant Pot. The pork and beans are cooked with a blend of spices and vegetables, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth. Serve it with your choice of toppings, such as cilantro, onions, and cheese, for a hearty and comforting meal.
The History of Epazote
Epazote, also known as "Mexican tea," is a herb that has been used in traditional Mexican cooking for centuries. Its name is derived from the Nahuatl word "epatl," which means "skunk" and "tzotl," which means "sweat." This name is a nod to the strong, pungent aroma of the herb. Native to Central and South America, epazote was used by the Aztecs for its medicinal and culinary properties. It was believed to have healing powers and was often used to treat stomach ailments. Over time, epazote became a staple in Mexican cuisine, and its unique flavor and aroma make it a key ingredient in dishes like Mexican rice.
The Benefits of Epazote in Mexican Rice
Aside from its distinct flavor and aroma, epazote also offers several health benefits. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium. Epazote also contains antioxidants and has been known to aid in digestion. Its strong aroma is said to help reduce gas and bloating, making it a popular addition to bean dishes. In Mexican rice, epazote adds a depth of flavor and helps balance out the richness of the dish.
Pati Jinich's Mexican Rice Recipe with Epazote
Pati Jinich, a renowned Mexican chef and cookbook author, has shared her delicious recipe for Mexican rice with epazote. To make this flavorful dish, you will need:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried epazote
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden color. Add the onion, garlic, epazote, and salt, and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes. Pour in the broth and tomato sauce, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, add the peas and corn and stir gently. Cover the pot again and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes. Once the rice is fully cooked, fluff it with a fork and serve hot.
With the addition of epazote, this Mexican rice recipe from Pati Jinich is sure to be a hit at your next fiesta. The herb adds a unique and authentic flavor to the dish, making it a must-try for any lover of Mexican cuisine. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with this delicious and easy-to-make side dish.
In Conclusion
Epazote is a key ingredient in many Mexican dishes, and its distinct flavor and aroma make it a staple in Mexican rice. Not only does it add depth of flavor to the dish, but it also offers several health benefits. Try out Pati Jinich's recipe for an authentic and flavorful Mexican rice dish with epazote. Your taste buds will thank you.
