Looking for a simple side dish that brings bright Mexican-inspired flavors to your table? This Garden Tomato Cilantro Rice is fluffy, colorful, and packed with fresh ingredients. The combination of tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, and vegetables creates a delicious rice dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, roasted chicken, or even as a light meal on its own. Best of all, it’s easy enough for beginner cooks and comes together with everyday ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 medium Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1/4 small white onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 small jalapeño, whole (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/3 cup diced carrots
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Serves 2-3 people.

Instructions

Add the tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, black pepper, and 1/4 cup of the chicken broth to a blender. Blend until smooth and set aside.

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.

Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns lightly golden and smells nutty, about 5-6 minutes.

Carefully pour in the tomato mixture and stir well to coat the rice.

Add the carrots, cilantro, bouillon powder, remaining chicken broth, and the whole jalapeño if using.

Bring everything to a gentle boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.

Remove the pan from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 10 minutes.

Remove the jalapeño and fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes & Tips

• Keeping the jalapeño whole adds mild flavor without making the rice overly spicy.
• For a richer flavor, replace part of the broth with tomato juice.
• Peas, corn, or diced bell peppers can be added with the carrots for extra color.
• Avoid stirring the rice while it cooks to keep the grains light and fluffy.
• Leftover rice can be used in burritos, rice bowls, or as a base for quick lunches.

This flavorful rice is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Give it a try and let everyone know what you served it with!