Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Brown chorizo
- Crumble the chorizo into a large pot and cook over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Visual cue: it should look caramelized with browned bits and rendered fat in the pot.
- Remove the browned chorizo with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the pot. Visual cue: the pot should have an even layer of golden drippings for the rice to absorb.
Sauté aromatics and toast rice
- Add the olive oil and sauté the diced onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Visual cue: the onion should turn translucent and glossy without browning too much.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Visual cue: the garlic should smell fragrant and slightly golden, not burned.
- Stir in the long-grain white rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Visual cue: the grains should look slightly dry and more opaque at the edges.
Simmer and cook
- Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir once to combine so the spices disperse evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Visual cue: steam should collect under the lid and the surface should look mostly dry with tender grains beneath.
Finish and rest
- Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the cooked chorizo, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Visual cue: the rice should look studded with chorizo and speckled with green and light yellow-gold tones.
- Let the rice rest for 5 minutes before serving. Visual cue: grains should settle into a fluffy, cohesive texture rather than watery-looking clumps.
Notes
Pro tip: keep the pot covered during the 15-minute cook so the rice absorbs the broth and stays fluffy. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of broth or water. Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in the rice. For a lower-fat option, use a leaner chorizo (or turkey chorizo) and drain excess rendered fat after browning.
