In less then two weeks, we will be leaving Mexico City and heading back to Michigan. It is coming up so soon!! I will admit that I am having some mixed feelings about leaving, but I am excited to get back to the U.S. Since we are leaving shortly, I am trying to use up all the things in my pantry. No matter where we are living, I tend to overstock our pantry. I like to keep certain staples on hand. You’ll usually find dried beans, grains, lots of spices and dried chiles, and one of my favorite pantry staples: Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce. Those canned chipotle peppers, which you can find in most well-stocked grocery stores, can add a ton of flavor to a dish.

I decided to elevate basic white rice by adding in a chipotle pepper. The result was incredible. The smokiness and spiciness of the pepper took the white rice to a new level. Rather then dicing up the pepper, the whole chipotle pepper is added to the rice. Even though it’s left whole, it adds a ton of flavor and spiciness to the rice.

The best thing about this rice is that you don’t have to do much work to add tons of flavor into the rice. One simple pantry ingredient does all the work for you. How great is that?!

If you are looking for a new side dish for taco night, this is the one to try. If you do try this Chipotle White Rice, be sure to tag us on Instagram at #thymeandlove. I would love to see your photos!

Yield: 4

Chipotle White Rice

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Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce take basic white rice to a whole new level. It's spicy + smoky, but so easy to make! Perfect side dish to taco night or any Mexican themed dinner.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Extra-Long Grain White Rice
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1/4 White Onion, diced small
• 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1 Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce, left whole
• 2 Cups Water
• 1/2 Tsp Salt, or to taste

Instructions

1. Place the rice in a glass bowl and cover with hot water. Let the rice soak for 5 minutes. Drain the rice in a fine mesh strainer. Rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Place the strainer on top a bowl to let all the water drain through. It is important that the rice is dried.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet that has a clear lid over medium to medium high heat. Add the onion and cook 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add the drained white rice and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the rice turns a milky white color, making sure to stir often.
4. Add 1 whole chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the rice and carefully stir it around the rice once. This helps add more flavor to the rice. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the water and salt to the rice. Bring to a boil, stir, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook until all the liquid has been absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
6. Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff with a fork.
7. Garnish the rice with the cooked chipotle pepper.