This is one of those recipes that seem destined to become converted into a low-FODMAP recipe. You can make it as simple as just tossing rice with lime juice and cilantro, or you can get a little fancier, like I’ve done here. I added some extra flavor with green onions, cumin and garlic-infused oil. I’ve also come to love this boiling and steaming method of cooking rice. Light and fluffy rice every time! Just follow my instructions in the recipe below.
This goes great with Tacos or Grilled Mexican Lime Chicken. I love basmati rice and discovered that it is divine in this recipe. Of course, that makes it more Indian than Mexican. Maybe we’ll just call it one of those “fusion” dishes. Of course, you can always use plain old long-grain white rice too. Whichever rice you use, I’m sure you will love this amazing side dish.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic, peeled, kept whole (used only to infuse the oil, then discarded)*
- 1 cup white basmati rice (or long-grain white rice)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
- 3 green onions, sliced (green parts only)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (juice of ~1/2 lime)
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh lime zest (zest of ~1/2 lime)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium, heat the oil. Add the garlic and simmer to flavor the oil (about 1 to 2 minutes). Remove and discard the garlic. Add the rice to the oil in the saucepan and saute until rice is just very lightly toasted (3 to 5 minutes). Add the water and salt.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes, or until water is mostly absorbed. Remove from heat, keeping covered, and let sit another 10 to 15 minutes to steam.
- Once rice is done, stir in the cilantro, green onions, lime juice and zest, cumin and black pepper. Serve.
Notes
I was wondering if garlic is part of the low FODMAP list? I see it in your recipe but not sure if I should leave it out if I am trying to follow the rules..
Yes, garlic is high in FODMAPs, but in this case, the garlic is used only to flavor the oil and then discarded. Garlic-infused oil is considered low-FODMAP since the fructans do not leach out into the oil.
Thanks for recommending this to go with the barbacoa tacos. It was the perfect side dish.
There are cheaper brands of garlic-infused olive oil. I use a store brand.