Have you ever been a situation when you wanted to throw out all things complicated – be it from serious life to career issues to as simple as clearing out a crumpled up wardrobe to your bookshelf? Ah! I know how it feels. Sometimes I feel that we all make things too complicated when they need not be. A simple solution is all it probably needs. Simplicity is the best cure for most of our problems but well, it can be the hardest thing to get (what a paradox!).

During one such ‘decluttering’ days, I was in the process of clearing out all the unwanted things I was holding on to (god knows why or for what?). When it came to food – I went on to go into my usual routine of making up some complicated (but flavorful, I assure you) recipe when I suddenly came into my sense! I wanted something simple. No complicated flavors, ingredients or methods. Can something that ridiculously simple taste good? You bet – it sure does. I LOVE chipotle and especially their Fajita Burritos. Down to earth ingredients come together to form such a delicious and clean flavor. I especially love their rice and I was surprised to see that there are quite a few lovers for that rice like me (Net – what do we do without it!). Here is the recipe for Chipotle style Cilantro and Lime Rice. Has only 3 main ingredients and takes like 10-15 minutes to cook!!!!!!
Method
Soak the rice in some water for 10 minutes. Although it is not required, I find that it helps to keep the grains separate and avoids it getting mushy!

In a skillet, in low heat, add the butter/oil along with rice and sugar. Let the rice get coated with the oil. Once the rice gets aromatic add juice of 1 lime. Stir for a minute.

Add 2 cups of water and salt – cover and cook for about 10-15 minutes.

Check to see if the rice has absorbed all the water. ( Note: Some people like to cook Basmati with 1 cup water. For me 2 cups works well since I find that 1 cup gives a crunchy grain and is not completely cooked.)

Stir it v lightly and add chopped cilantro. You can add more if you like. Taste and add more lime juice if required. Remove from flame, fluff the rice lightly and let it sit for 1-2 minutes with the lid on.

You can optionally add lime wedges as garnish. I served it along with Frijoles Refritos ( Refried Beans). This rice goes very well with spicy and hot dishes. The flavors are simple though they burst with the freshness of lime and aroma of cilantro.

I had been getting quite a handful of questions regarding Goji Berries. Please click on the picture to know more information about it. Hope you find it as useful as I did.
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Does anyone know if Chipotle uses Basmati rice and if so what type of Basmati? Apparently enriched white rice is nutritionally worthless (like white bread) and certain types of Basmati could actually be healthy.
amazingly simple…. too cool. hey could we do this with coked basmati rice too? well am trying it now. will post the result.
Oh yes I am sure you can! Yes, do let us know how it turned out!
–DK
Made this today! Tasted great. Although I got a little bit impatient and added more lime before I got a real taste. One lime is more than enough. Same as Chipotle!! Thanks for the recipe
Stupid question but do you think I could use brown rice for this?
Awe comeon, Its such a logical question. I think you can – of course it wont be chipotle rice
but its sure healthier
yum! love love love chipotle’s rice! the fajita burrito bowls are my fav!
Yes! Love Chipotle rice! We devised a similar recipe and decided to go for the whole burrito and made Pork Bowls. Soooo goood! If you’re interested in what comes next:
http://feaston.wordpress.com/2009/06/03/chipotle-can-suck-it/
Hey nice Site and amazing dish…Approved by Ethiopian! Loved it!
What the difference between the rice types? can I use some other rice for this recipe?
There are long grained, medium and short grained. long grained ones are great for recipes where you want the texture distinct and separate and not mushy. the medium and short grained rice tend to get mushy faster and hence are ideal for pudding’s etc.
platter looks so yummy,..
Wow, the cooking way of this cilantro lime rice is great, I’ll try it later. just one question: how can i add your blog into my rss reader, thanks so much.
Hi, thanks for your kind comments.
You can subscribe to ChefInyou via RSS in the first section in the top right of any page. You can also do the same at the end of every post where I have 2 icons both for mail and RSS. Thanks for your interest. Appreciate it.
Looks perfect! Exactly like Chipotles! Awesome! Now, you should just have this with some grilled veggies and a spicy salsa!
mmm. such a simple recipe yet looks soooo tempting. Yum!!
Such a simple but delicious recipe ! And you are right about simplicity , simplicity is always the best.
Love your photography
Rice looks so yummy and the photographs are phenomenal. Great going. love your blog.
Delicious recipe.. I am a big fan of chipotle rice
I was wondering what to make for dinner and here it is a simple recipe… I love the Chipotle rice too.
Simple dish with tons of flavor. Great pics as usual.
I’m revisiting my relationship with Cilantro. Bad tequila night in Cabo scarred me for life. Trying simple dishes to get back into the groove, and this rice dish looks like it’ll help out
I am a cilantro lover hence might sound biased
Simple recipes like this, will help to soothe out all the complicated foods out of your system. You can also try it with the suggested vegan refried beans. Its simple too and I find it makes harmony at the table. We all need a break from eating rich and junk food too….er at least sometimes!
Hey DK, I completely agree with you, I too LOVE chipotle and especially their fajita bowls, with lots of guacamole!! I also make this rice exactly like this
OMG! That was some fast comment. I like published this post like 10 seconds ago – You go girl