Mexican Rice Pilaf

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 medium tomato, blended into a puree
• 1/4 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Nutristahl 1 Qt:

   • Heat your Nutristahl 1 Qt over medium heat until you feel gentle heat when placing your hand over the cookware.

2. Toast the Rice:

   • Add the vegetable oil and heat briefly. Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is lightly golden and fragrant.

3. Sauté Aromatics:

   • Push the rice to one side of the cookware. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the other side. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened.

4. Add Tomato Puree and Spices:

   • Mix the rice with the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir in the tomato puree, cumin, paprika, and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

5. Simmer the Rice:

   • Pour in the broth and add peas if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, cover the cookware with the lid and reduce the heat to low.

6. Cook the Rice:

   • Let it cook undisturbed for 15-18 minutes. Check once to ensure the rice is absorbing the liquid properly (avoid stirring too much).

7. Finish and Serve:

   • Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam fully. Fluff gently with a fork before serving.
   • Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.