Mexican rice

Prep time: 3 minutes. Cook time: 12 to 15 minutes (depending on your rice cooker). Rest time: 10 minutes.

The five or less things: One cup / 2.5 dl of white rice. Long grain or jasmine. The rice does not have a passport. It does not need to be Mexican. One cup / 2.5 dl of water. Tap water is fine. The tomatoes and spices do the heavy lifting. One can of tomato sauce. 8 ounces / 227 grams. Tomato sauce is not salsa. Do not use salsa. Salsa has chunks. Chunks are for dip. Half a cup / 1.25 dl of frozen peas and carrots. Optional. Adds color. Also vegetables. You need vegetables. One packet of taco seasoning. Or a sprinkle of cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. The packet is easier. Packets were invented for lazy people.

Directions:

1. Rinse the rice in the inner pot. Add water, swirl, and pour it out. Repeat until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch. Sticky rice is not Mexican rice. Mexican rice is fluffy.
2. Add the water and tomato sauce to the rice. Stir in the taco seasoning or spices. Drop in the frozen peas and carrots if using. Give it one stir. Just enough to mix. The rice is not a cocktail.
3. Close the lid. Press the cook button. Walk away. The rice cooker will handle the rest. It does not need you to hover.
4. When it beeps, leave the lid on for 10 minutes. The steam finishes the job. Do not peek. Peeking lets steam escape. Escaped steam means uneven rice. Uneven rice is a tragedy.
5. Open the lid. Fluff with a fork. The rice should be orange-red. The peas and carrots should be scattered throughout. They will be hiding. Find them.
6. Serve hot. This rice is good with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or grilled chicken. It is also good on its own with a sprinkle of cheese.

Note: This rice is smoky, savory, and colorful. It tastes like a Mexican restaurant. The kind with the good salsa. Swap the frozen vegetables for fresh if you have them. Add a squeeze of lime for brightness. Top with fresh cilantro if you are feeling fancy. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of water.