Baked Mexican Rice: A Flavorful Vegetarian Delight for Your Next Dinner Party
Baked Mexican Rice is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together the warmth of Mexican flavors with the heartiness of rice, kidney beans, and an irresistible combination of fresh vegetables and cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner or to impress your guests at a weekend gathering, this recipe is easy to prepare and bursting with taste. The dish is baked to perfection, with a melty cheese topping that ties all the ingredients together into a comforting, satisfying meal.
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Name | Baked Mexican Rice |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Course | Dinner |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 2 servings |
Ingredients for Baked Mexican Rice
For the Rice:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice | 1 1/2 cups |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Rajma (Large Kidney Beans) – boiled | 1/2 cup |
| Sunflower oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper powder | To taste |
For the Tomato Gravy:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 3 medium |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 small |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 2 cloves |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chili flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sunflower oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper powder | To taste |
| Tomato ketchup | 2 tablespoons |
For the Topping:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sweet corn (steamed) | 1/2 cup |
| Green bell pepper (finely chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese (grated) | 4 tablespoons |
| Tomato (for garnishing) | As required |
| Black olives (for garnishing) | As required |
Instructions for Baked Mexican Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Stir in the ginger garlic paste and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the red chili flakes and boiled rajma (kidney beans), followed by any pre-cooked vegetables you’re using. Sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the cooked rice, followed by salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the rice is well-coated with the spices and oil. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Gravy
- In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the chopped garlic and sauté for a few more seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, red chili flakes, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and blend the mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth. You can choose not to strain it, keeping the rich texture. Once blended, stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato ketchup for added sweetness and flavor. Set the tomato gravy aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Baked Mexican Rice
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Grease a baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray.
- Spread the cooked rice mixture evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Pour the prepared tomato gravy over the rice, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by the steamed sweet corn, chopped green bell pepper, and any other vegetables you like.
- Garnish with fresh tomato slices and black olives for a burst of color and extra flavor.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 7-8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is lightly golden on top.
- Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Baked Mexican Rice is best served with:
- Indian Style Fajitas: Soft, warm tortillas filled with your choice of seasoned vegetables or grilled meat.
- Spinach Enchiladas: A comforting dish featuring rolled tortillas stuffed with a savory spinach filling, topped with a tangy tomato sauce.
This meal is perfect for a casual dinner or a lively weekend night party with family and friends. It’s simple yet satisfying, with the combination of cheesy, tomato-flavored rice and vibrant veggies offering a truly delightful experience for the taste buds.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | ~8g |
| Carbohydrates | ~50g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~5g |
| Sugars | ~6g |
| Fat | ~12g |
| Saturated Fat | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~350mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Conclusion
This Baked Mexican Rice recipe is a fantastic option for anyone craving a vegetarian meal full of flavor and comfort. The combination of tender rice, savory kidney beans, fresh vegetables, and gooey mozzarella cheese makes it a complete dish that’s both filling and delicious. Whether you serve it for a casual dinner or as part of a larger Mexican-themed feast, it’s sure to be a hit!
If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to prepare but packs a punch of flavor, this is it. Try it out and enjoy the tastes of Mexico in the comfort of your own home!
