Much like Basmati rice is a staple in Indian cuisine, Mexican Rice is a MUST for Tex-Mex dishes. Most notably, you can find it in burritos and burrito bowls. Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice, is recognized by its tomatoey flavour and amber color. It’s also packed with a load of flavour. If you have had Mexican rice, you know the difference it makes in a burrito. At BarBurrito, our rice is cooked fresh daily and enhances the flavour of our burritos and bowls.
But what exactly is Mexican rice and how does it differ from regular rice?
Exploring Mexican Rice
How It Differs
To say Mexican rice is simply just rice is an understatement. Mexican rice comes from a flavourful history and is served a number of different ways. For example, in Northern Mexico, Mexican rice is typically prepared with chicken broth and flavoured with tomato. In Southern Mexico, white rice is more common as a side to many dishes. Common ingredients in Mexican rice typically include spices like cumin, cilantro, parsley, and tomato sauce or salsa. With a combination like that, it’s no wonder that so many of us are obsessed with this style of rice.
The History of Mexican Rice
Have you ever thought about the history behind food? If you haven’t, you might be surprised to learn about the origins of some of your favorite dishes. For example, Mexican rice goes farther back than you might think. In fact, Mexican rice has been around for centuries! Rice was first introduced to Latin America in the 1500s in the Veracruz region in Southern Mexico. From there, Mexican rice made its introduction into Tex-Mex cuisine in the 1900s in San Antonio.
Want to learn more about the history of Tex-Mex? Read all about it here.
How It’s Prepared
Mexican rice is prepared by browning long-grain rice in cooking oil, then flavouring it with onion, garlic, and tomato sauce, salsa, or paste. Typically, parsley and cilantro are added to enhance the flavour and color of the rice. Often, Mexican rice is seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and other spices. Traditionally, vegetables like carrot and corn are added into the rice to add another layer of texture. While often paired on the side in a traditional Mexican dish, Mexican rice is usually found in a wrapped burrito or bowl in Tex-Mex cuisine.
Experience Tex-Mex Cuisine at BarBurrito
All of our dishes are crafted to perfection with the intricate history of all of our ingredients in mind. Our Mexican rice is cooked fresh every day to enhance the flavour of your burrito. If you’re looking for quality and delicious burritos, tacos, or quesadillas – look no father than your local BarBurrito.