We love this rice as the base for Beef Taco Bowls (to be posted next!), but it is a great side dish that could go with any Mexican, Indian, or Asian inspired food.

Basmati rice is used in this recipe. It is a long, slender grained, aromatic rice that has been cultivated on the Indian subcontinent for centuries. Basmati is the Hindu word for fragrant and this rice has a distinct nutty flavor & floral aroma. The grains are tender and fluffy when cooked, remaining separate and not sticky as other long grained white rices are. The herbal taste of the cilantro is perfectly balanced by the zing of citrus from the limes, making this side dish even more flavorful and delicious!

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice (adapted from delish.com)  Total Time Required: 30 minutes, Prep Time: 5 minutes, Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• juice of 2 limes, zest from 1 lime, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro

Directions:

In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the juice from one lime, along with the salt and rice. Stir everything together for one minute to coat the rice. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.

Melt the butter then add the lime juice to the pot . . .

. . . then add the rice and salt to the pot with the water.

Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the rice is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Add the zest and juice from the remaining lime to the rice and fold in the cilantro.

Add the cilantro, remaining lime juice, and the lime zest to the rice.

Serve.

This rice goes well with a variety of cuisines.

There are any number of main dishes that would be beautifully complemented by this tasty rice side dish!  ~Linda

Cilantro Lime Rice (adapted from delish.com)  Total Time Required: 30 minutes, Prep Time: 5 minutes, Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• juice of 2 limes, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro

Directions:

In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the juice from one lime, along with the salt and rice. Stir everything together for one minute to coat the rice. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.

Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the rice is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Add the zest and juice from the remaining lime to the rice and fold in the cilantro. Serve.