Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Avocado Rice combines the zestiness of lime, the freshness of cilantro, and the creaminess of avocado to elevate simple white rice into a flavorful side dish. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that pairs well with a variety of main courses, adding both taste and a vibrant green hue to your meal.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more if needed
- 1¾ cups water
- 1 large lime
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 medium avocados, lightly mashed with chunks
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the rice, salt, and water to the saucepan. Stir to combine. Increase the heat to high and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, cover, reduce the heat to low, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 more minutes. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
- Add the zest and juice of the lime and the chopped cilantro to the pan. Gently stir to combine.
- Fold in the lightly mashed avocado. Season with more salt, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 3 cups of Avocado Rice, serving about 4 people.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking the garlic for a spicy version.
- Brown Rice: Substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added nutrients. Adjust cooking time as per brown rice package instructions.
- Herb Twist: Incorporate other fresh herbs like basil or parsley along with cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out. Note that the avocado may darken slightly upon storage, but the flavor remains delicious.
FAQs
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is recommended for its fluffy texture, but you can also use jasmine or basmati rice for aromatic variations.
Can I use pre-cooked or leftover rice?
Yes, you can fold the lime zest, juice, cilantro, and mashed avocado into 3 cups of warm, cooked rice. Ensure the rice is heated through for better flavor absorption.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely, this Avocado Rice is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products.
How can I prevent the avocado from browning?
The lime juice in the recipe helps slow down the browning process of the avocado. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal color and taste.
Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?
Certainly, adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans can turn this side dish into a satisfying main course.
What dishes pair well with Avocado Rice?
It complements Mexican and Asian cuisines well, pairing nicely with dishes like tacos, grilled fish, or stir-fried vegetables.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the rice ahead and mix in the avocado just before serving to maintain its creamy texture and color.
How do I select ripe avocados for this recipe?
Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure and are free from dark blemishes for a creamy and smooth texture.
Is it necessary to use fresh cilantro?
Fresh cilantro provides the best flavor, but if unavailable, you can use dried cilantro, reducing the amount by half.
Can I freeze Avocado Rice?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the avocado may become watery and mushy upon thawing.
Conclusion
This Avocado Rice recipe is a delightful way to infuse simple rice with vibrant flavors and creamy texture. It’s quick to prepare and versatile enough to accompany various dishes, making it a must-try for your next meal.
Avocado Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 3 cups)
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Bring the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica to your table with this creamy and tangy Avocado Rice. Combining lime, cilantro, and avocado, this side dish transforms simple white rice into a zesty, tropical treat that pairs perfectly with tacos, grilled fish, or stir-fried veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more, if needed)
- 1¾ cups water
- 1 large lime (zest and juice)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 medium avocados, lightly mashed
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add rice, salt, and water. Stir to combine. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork.
- Add lime zest, juice, and chopped cilantro to the rice. Stir gently.
- Fold in lightly mashed avocado. Adjust salt to taste.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
- Reheating: Reheat gently with a splash of water to prevent drying.
- Variation: Add jalapeño or cayenne for a spicy kick, or substitute white rice with brown rice for a nuttier flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Costa Rican-Inspired
