Mexican Vegetable Rice

Mexican Vegetable Rice

Looking for an easy side dish to pair with your favorite Mexican-inspired entrée? This recipe for Mexican Vegetable Rice introduces a medley of vibrant colors and robust flavors to your table. Packed with wholesome ingredients and the unmistakable zing of canned tomatoes, this recipe is a celebration of health and taste. 

While there is a lot to love about this hearty side dish, we are most excited about the addition of canned tomatoes. This staple pantry ingredient is a key player in this Mexican Vegetable Rice recipe, as they add a burst of freshness and bring a plethora of health benefits. Rich in essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, canned tomatoes are a wonderful contribution to a well-rounded and nourishing meal. Furthermore, the lycopene content in tomatoes has been linked to various health benefits, including heart health and a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

This Mexican Vegetable Rice pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, skillet meals, or enchiladas. Learn how to make this recipe here

 

Try the NEW Tomato Wellness cookbook!

Discover our array of diverse recipes, each designed to bring the warmth of traditional family dining to your table. These meals are not only simple to prepare but also budget-friendly, making them perfect for busy households. Tailored to please every palate, our recipes cater to both individual tastes and family-wide preferences. Developed by our multicultural culinary team, these dishes offer a celebration of global flavors, ensuring nutritious, easy-to-make, and affordable meals for you and your family.

Get this recipe, and other budget-friendly meals, in our cookbook!

 

Mexican Vegetable Rice

Mexican Vegetable Rice

This recipe for Mexican Vegetable Rice introduces a medley of vibrant colors and robust flavors to your table. Packed with wholesome ingredients and the unmistakable zing of canned tomatoes, this recipe is a celebration of health and taste.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice, Rinsed And Drained
  • ½ Medium White Onion, Diced
  • 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz.) Can Diced Tomatoes, Undrained
  • 1 ½ Cups Low-Sodium Chicken Stock, Warmed
  • 1 Cup Fresh Or Frozen Mixed Vegetables (Peas, Corn, Diced Carrots)
  • ¼ tsp. Kosher Salt, To Taste

Instructions

    1. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rice and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until golden.
    2. Add in the onions and garlic. Saute 2-3 minutes, until softened.
    3. Add the diced tomatoes, warm broth, vegetables and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for 20 minutes.
    4. After 20 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
    5. After resting, fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust the salt as desired.
      Serve with your favorite lean protein for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Got leftover cooked vegetables in your refrigerator? This recipe is a great way to use them up—broccoli, green beans, zucchini, carrots, peas—just about any chopped, cooked vegetable will work here.
  • Recipe approved by Ellie Krieger, Culinary Nutritionist (RD) for Tomato Wellness.com

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1 cup

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 180Total Fat: 2.5gSaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 220mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 4g

 

Exciting Announcement: A Culinary Adventure with Ellie Krieger!

Exciting Announcement: A Culinary Adventure with Ellie Krieger!

We are thrilled to share some delectable news with you! Our kitchen is buzzing with excitement as we announce our collaboration with the incredible Ellie Krieger, a registered dietitian, accomplished author, and masterful chef.

Introducing: “Easy Family Meals: Good for You & Your Wallet”

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that blends the art of flavor with the science of nutrition. Our new cookbook, in collaboration with Ellie Krieger, is a celebration of deliciousness and health, without breaking the bank.

Why Ellie Krieger?

Ellie is not just a chef; she is a culinary virtuoso with a passion for creating meals that are not only scrumptious but also nourishing. Her expertise as a registered dietitian ensures that each recipe is thoughtfully crafted to bring you the perfect balance of taste and nutrition.

 

Good for Your Family, Good for Your Wallet

You can expect a treasure trove of recipes that are not only mouthwatering but also mindful of your family’s well-being and your budget. These culinary creations are designed to make wholesome cooking accessible to everyone, proving that you can savor both health and affordability in every bite.

What’s Inside?

From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners and everything in between, our cookbook is a collection of Ellie’s favorite recipes that cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs. You’ll find easy-to-follow instructions, handy tips from Ellie, and a variety of options that promise to make your kitchen the heart of your home.

 

Download it here! 

The BEST Homemade Canned Tomato Soup

The BEST Homemade Canned Tomato Soup

Dive into the warmth and nourishment of our homemade canned tomato soup recipe. This comforting bowlful of goodness not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a burst of nutritional benefits. Packed with the vibrant essence of canned tomatoes, this wholesome creation embraces both flavor and health, making it the perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. Learn how to make this recipe here

 

Is tomato soup good for you?

Yes, tomato soup can be good for you! It’s a nutritious and flavorful addition to your diet that also has various health benefits. Canned tomatoes, a common ingredient in many tomato soup recipes, are a powerhouse of nutrients – including lycopene, which is a potent antioxidant that has been associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, and is known for its ability to protect cells from oxidative stress. Additionally, canned tomatoes provide a good dose of vitamin C, which supports the immune system, along with other essential nutrients like potassium and iron. When enjoyed in a well-balanced soup, tomato soup can be a delicious and healthful choice, contributing to both your palate’s satisfaction and your overall well-being.

Try the NEW Tomato Wellness cookbook!

Discover our array of diverse recipes, each designed to bring the warmth of traditional family dining to your table. These meals are not only simple to prepare but also budget-friendly, making them perfect for busy households. Tailored to please every palate, our recipes cater to both individual tastes and family-wide preferences. Developed by our multicultural culinary team, these dishes offer a celebration of global flavors, ensuring nutritious, easy-to-make, and affordable meals for you and your family.

Get this homemade canned tomato recipe, and other budget-friendly meals, in our cookbook!

The BEST Homemade Canned Tomato Soup

The BEST Homemade Canned Tomato Soup

Packed with the vibrant essence of canned tomatoes, this wholesome homemade canned tomato soup embraces both flavor and health, making it the perfect addition to your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients

  • 1 Large Yellow Onion, Diced
  • 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 2 (28 oz.) Cans Whole Tomatoes
  • 4 tbsp. Tomato Paste
  • 2 Cups Water
  • 1-2 tsp. Honey (Optional)
  • ½ Cup 1% Milk (Or Milk Of Choice)
  • Kosher Salt, To Taste

Instructions

    1. Add olive oil to a large pan and heat over medium heat. Once oil is hot, add the onion and saute until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
    2. Add the canned tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, water and optional honey.
    3. Use a wooden spoon to break up the whole tomatoes, and stir to combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the liquid starts to reduce.
    4. Remove from heat and carefully transfer to a blender. Blend to desired consistency. Note: When blending hot liquids or ingredients, always vent the lid so the steam can escape to minimize burn risks.
    5. Mix in the milk and season to taste with salt.
    6. Serve with toasted whole grain bread and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

About 1 ½ cups

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 130Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 580mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 3gSugar: 11gProtein: 4g
Riccardo’s Old World Sauce

Riccardo’s Old World Sauce

Tired of the same old spaghetti and meatballs every week? Elevate your pasta game with Riccardo’s Old World Sauce – i.e. a delicious homemade pasta sauce. Crafted with love and simple ingredients, this sauce brings a burst of homemade goodness to your plate.

This recipe is a delightful blend of whole peeled tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of garlic, creating a rich and flavorful base for your pasta dishes. Tomatoes take center stage in this sauce, providing vibrant color and a natural sweetness that will have your taste buds dancing. Not only do they add a delicious depth to your meal, but tomatoes also bring a host of health benefits. Packed with lycopene (a powerful antioxidant), as well as essential nutrients like vitamin C, iron, and potassium, this sauce not only satisfies your cravings but nourishes your body.

Feel confident serving this wholesome creation to your family, knowing that it’s made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The simplicity of this homemade pasta sauce allows you to savor the true essence of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. For an extra touch of perfection, pair it with a side salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday family dinner or a quiet weeknight indulgence, this sauce will bring joy to every bite.

Get the full recipe for Riccardo’s Old World Sauce by visiting our friends at Red Gold.

Try this sauce in some of our favorite pasta recipes:

Buddy the Elf Makes Lasagna

Buddy the Elf Makes Lasagna

Buddy the Elf was on a culinary mission in the heart of the North Pole. The holiday party was approaching, and he wanted to make Papa Elf’s favorite dish – lasagna. There was just one tiny problem: Buddy’s idea of lasagna was very different then the one Papa Elf grew up eating. 

Undeterred by his lack of culinary expertise, Buddy donned his festive hat and jingling shoes and set out to create the most magical lasagna the North Pole had ever seen. He raided the Candy Cane Forest, collecting an assortment of sugary delights.

Back in the kitchen, Buddy gleefully started concocting his masterpiece. He boiled pop tarts and, with the finesse only an elf could muster, stuffed it with candy, and replaced traditional pasta sauce with a river of syrup. To top it off, he sprinkled crushed candy canes as if they were parmesan cheese.

Proudly presenting his creation to Papa Elf, Buddy awaited approval. However, Papa Elf’s face turned from excitement to confusion. “Buddy, this isn’t how my grandma made lasagna. She never used pop tarts or syrup!”

Determined to get it right, Buddy embarked on a journey through the North Pole, seeking advice from the magical characters that called it home. He approached the polar bears, the snowmen, and even the Yeti, asking for the perfect lasagna recipe. Unfortunately, their suggestions included icicles, snow cones, and marshmallows. 

Luckily, Buddy found an old cookbook in the kitchen and it had what was called a traditional lasagna recipe. He was able to find all the ingredients, pasta noodles, fresh tomatoes, meats and cheeses at the ElfMart and he got cooking. It still wasn’t right. He could tell something was lacking that special flavor. 

Depressed, Buddy found himself at the icy pool where the wise Narwhal resided. “Narwhal, my aquatic friend! How do I make the perfect lasagna?”

The Narwhal gracefully emerged from the water and shared the real secret, “Canned tomatoes, Buddy. They’re picked in season and are perfect for cooking all year round. That’s the secret to cooking any dish with tomatoes.”

Armed with this newfound wisdom, Buddy rushed back to the kitchen. He replaced the ‘fresh’ tomatoes (they were in the North Pole after all) with a savory tomato sauce made from canned tomatoes. The aroma of real pasta sauce filled the air.

When Buddy served Papa Elf the improved dish, Papa Elf’s eyes twinkled with delight. “Buddy, this is fantastic! It’s just like Grandma used to make.”

Both elves devoured the delicious lasagna. As they enjoyed their meal, they joked, “Next year, forget about toys, Santa should bring all the boys and girls this magical lasagna!”