Cilantro Lime Rice

This version of Cilantro Lime Rice promises more flavor per bite than your average rice dish!

I love Chipotle. Apparently a lot of other people do, too, because I keep seeing copycat Chipotle recipes all over the internet.

I feel in love with Chipotle the first time I ate there. It’s a decent option for anyone eating GF, but what I really love most are the bold flavors. The spicy salsa is truly spicy! When I took a few bites of my first Chiptole taco and then had to drink some water because of the heat/spice I was a happy girl.

Maybe not everyone loves the hot salsa at Chipotle, but it seems that everyone loves the cilantro lime rice. After making my first copycat cilantro lime rice recipe a while ago (it must have been at least a year ago, but I can’t say for sure) I’ve been making it as a side for almost every Mexican-ish meal we have.

Since I can hardly stick to a written out recipe my version of cilantro lime rice has morphed from those copycat recipes. I no longer add oil to the rice – it seems unnecessary for having a good end result. I’ve also increased the lime juice and cilantro. I’m all about eating foods full of flavor and this rice is no exception.

As a side dish, cilantro lime rice is so much more interesting than plain rice. As a filling for burritos and tacos (or in taco bowls that I posted a picture of on Monday) this will add a whole new flavor into the mix!

Ingredients

• 1 c rice (white or brown)
• 2 c water
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 Tbs lime juice
• 1/4 c fresh, chopped cilantro
• salt (optional)

Directions

1. Put the rice and water in a medium sauce. Set the bay leaves gently on top of the water and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the water has absorbed and the rice is cooked. About 20-30 minutes for white rice, and about 45 minutes for brown rice.
3. For best results, turn the burner off and let the pan sit on the burner, covered, for an additional 30 min.
4. Stir the lime juice and cilantro into the rice. Seasoning with salt, if desired.
5. Serve as a side dish or for a burrito or taco filling.