Mexican-Style Fried Rice

I feel sometimes that I have some sort of mental block for several dishes! Mostly that happens when I see a menu of Mexican cuisine anywhere… No doubt, I love a few things… i.e. Burrito (at times), Quesadillas (Fusion), Rice (ohhh I love it!) but dishes like nachos n tacos never inspire me to cook in my kitchen! I’m not going to try explaining the reason as probably there’s no logic behind that :P

I have had mexican rice many a times before, so not going to compare today’s dish with the authentic ones! I certainly know that I wanted to make a fusion rice variety – Yes, IndoMexican one :P Wanted to use my ingredients in making of mexican-style fried rice!!!

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup Long-grained Rice
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Red Chilly Paste
1/2 Onion, chopped
2 tbsp Diced Tomatoes
1 tbsp Tomato Puree
1/2 can Mixed Beans
1 tsp Garlic, minced
2 tbsp Chopped Bellpepper (green)
4 Button Mushrooms, diced
1 tsp Dried Oregano
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Ground Cumin Seeds
Water, as required

STEPS TO FOLLOW:

1. Wash and soak rice for half hour. Cook soaked rice in plenty of water with 1/2 tsp salt.
2. Once they are 90% done, drain excess water and rinse with fresh water to stop cooking process.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan and add ground cumin. After a few seconds, add chopped onion, garlic with red chilly paste.
4. When onions are soft, add chopped bellpepper along with mushrooms, diced tomatoes and beans. Mix them well.
5. Cook for around a min and add cooked rice and all the spices.
6. Toss these rice well and transfer to a serving bowl.
7. Serve hot as a side!!!

SJ’s NOTE:

• Adjust the amount of red chilly paste according to your taste.
• Also, you can use specifically black beans! I love adding more protein, so I prefer a combo of 4 beans here…

Linking this entry to Cooking with Seeds (Rice) Event n Priya’s Versatile Recipes: