Cilantro Lime Rice

Recipe From: Laura

Soft , fluffy and tender lovin' rice.  This amazing rice dish partners perfectly with my Fiesta Lime Chicken.   I had noticed 63 peeps have rated this a five star recipe so I knew I couldn't go wrong.  I would have to agree; its certainly worthy of a five star rating!  Enjoy.

*See tips below before you start*

2 cups basmati rice unrinsed, or any long-grain white rice, rinsed

1 bay leaf (nice touch of flavor, who would have thought?)

Salt

teaspoon olive oil or rice bran oil, optional

2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (or omit or sub parsley)

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice from 1-2 limes

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon

BASMATI RICE ON STOVE TOP  :                                                                                                         8 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add rice, bay leaf, and salt to taste (I like 2 teaspoons). Stir and return to a boil. Boil uncovered for 12 minutes.  Remove bay leaf. Using a fine mesh strainer, drain rice and rinse with hot water. Pour into a large bowl.  Stir in cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt (I like an additional 1/4 teaspoon). Serve hot or at room temperature.

ANY LONG GRAIN RICE ON STOVE TOP

Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add rice, bay leaf, oil if using, and salt to taste (I like 2 teaspoons). Stir and return to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.

Remove bay leaf. Stir in cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt (I like an additional 1/4 teaspoon). Serve hot or at room temperature.

FOR LONG GRAIN RICE IN RICE COOKER Add rinsed rice (see notes), water (according to manufacturer's instructions, see notes), bay leaf, salt (I like 1 teaspoon), and oil if using. Close rice cooker, plug in, and turn on. Cook according to manufacturer's instructions.  When the rice is finished, remove bay leaf. Stir in cilantro, lime juice, and lemon juice. Add more salt to taste (I like 1/4 teaspoon). Serve hot or at room temperature.

FOR BROWN RICE: Follow the instructions above using the following times: 40 minutes for Basmati on the stove top, 45 minutes for long-grain on the stove top, and 60 - 70 minutes for a rice cooker (or according to manufacturer's instructions). 2 cups brown rice makes 16 servings, 1/2 cup each (higher yield than white rice). 

GREAT TIPS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU START-  Rinse white rice to remove starch or soak it for 30 min. so its not so sticky in the end.

This recipe makes a lot so adjust to your family size and adjust the lime/lemon juice as well.

So as you can see, this recipe has you cook rice a bit different but give it a try! I cooked mine the regular way which turned out great. ( Boil water, add rice, then turn to 1, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. )