Spanish Rice/Mexican Rice (Instant Pot Method)

Spanish Rice or Mexican rice is a aromatic rice dish which is an essential part of the Mexican Cuisine. Pair this flavorful rice with some mexican beans and veggies, you have a delicious meal. I stir fry the veggies that includes bell pepper, onions and zucchini and flavor it with the Fajita seasoning.

You can also use this rice as a base to prepare a veggie bowl. To prepare a veggie bowl, layer the rice followed by veggies (prepared the same way you would for the fajitas), corn, tomatoes, guacomole, sour cream , lettuce, mexican cheese and a dash of hot sauce. Once you start preparing a veggie bowl like this, you will not ever go buy veggie bowl from Chipotle:) Its that yum:)

I have used canned Tomato sauce. It has added spices in  it that add a beautiful to the rice (check the ingredients in the can).

INGREDIENTS:
Note: All measurements are based on the US measuring cup and spoon sizes where 1 cup = 235 ml
Large grain Rice : 2 cup (I have used basmati rice)
Oil : 4 tbsp
Garlic (finely chopped) : 1 tbsp
Onion (finely chopped) : 1 cup
Canned tomato sauce : 8 oz
Cumin powder : 1 tsp
Dried oregano : 1/4 tsp
Paprika or Cayenne pepper : 1/2 tsp
Salt as per taste
Cilantro (chopped finely) : 1/4 cup
Water :  2 1/2 cup

PROCEDURE:

• Wash the rice , drain it in a strainer and set it aside for 15 minutes.

• Add the oil to the steel pot of the IP and start it on "saute" mode. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and onion. Saute. 

• Add the tomato sauce. Add the rice. Add the water .Add the Paprika, oregano and cumin powder. Add salt. Mix.

• Turn off the "saute"mode. Close the lid.Turn on the "Rice" option. Remember to keep the valve on the lid on "sealing" position. 

• Once done, wait till the pressure release naturally. Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.

• Garnish with chopped Cilantro and serve.

To cook in a regular pot ( Stove top method)

Heat oil in a deep bottomed pan. When hot, add the onion and garlic. Add the rice and saute for a minute. Add the tomato sauce. Add 4 cups of water ( For the stove top method , we follow the ratio , Rice:Water =1:2). Add the paprika,cumin, oregano and salt. When the water starts to boil , reduce the heat to low. Close the lid and cook until all the water has been absorbed. Once done , turn off the heat .Let it rest for 10 minutes. Open the lid and fluff with a fork. Serve garnish with cilantro.