Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat Recipe)

There are days when I just want to KISS in my kitchen... ok, you naughty minds, I'm not puckering my lips, I meant KISS as in Keep It Simple, Stupid! On such days when I want to prepare something quick, uncomplicated & delicious, I love to make Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice. Simple, scrumptious, satisfying - it is the perfect comfort food! Like countless others, I am a huge fan of Chipotle, the Mexican fast-casual restaurant chain that's uber-popular in US for its delicious mexican food. And I could swear by its Cilantro Lime Rice - the fresh cilantro & tangy lime infuse light, citrusy flavors into the fragrant, long-grained basmati rice that bring the entire dish to life. Add the Cilantro Lime Rice to a burrito or a taco, or serve it with your favorite veggie stew or grilled meats... either way, it is a great versatile side dish that will brighten up your entire meal and make it delicious & wholesome.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and my copycat recipe for Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice is an ode to Chipotle's original recipe that satisfies & delights millions every day. The Cilantro Lime Rice is really quick & eay to prepare with basic ingredients, but of course, it took numerous attempts to get the right preparation style that gives the same delicious taste as the original recipe. Now that you have the recipe, its time to try it out & glide into your comfort zone :)

CHIPOTLE  CILANTRO  LIME  RICE  COPYCAT  RECIPE

Serves : 2-3

Ingredients:

1 cup Basmati Rice

1 Dried Bay Leaf

1 tbsp fresh Lime juice

2 tsp fresh Lemon juice

2 tbsp finely chopped fresh Cilantro (Coriander) Leaves

1 3/4 cup Water

1 tsp Kosher Salt or to taste

1 tbsp Soy Oil; see Tips section

How to make Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

1. Rinse rice till water runs clear. Drain the water. Keep aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add salt, bay leaf & rice. Reduce the heat to simmer (I set it to mark 3), cover & cook for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Remove from the heat. Let cool for 5 minutes covered.
3. Remove the Bay leaf. Add oil to the cooked rice. Fluff rice with a fork. Let it sit for another 10 minutes uncovered. 
4. Pour juices over the rice & fluff it with a fork. Sprinkle in cilantro just before serving, toss well & serve.

TIPS:

Chipotle uses Soy oil for this recipe. However, if you do not have soy oil, then you may substitute it with Canola oil. I have tried this recipe with Canola oil & it came out equally good.