Cilantro Lime Rice Delight

# What You Need:

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine)

02 - 2 cups water

03 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

05 - 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

06 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)

07 - 1 teaspoon lime zest

08 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for finishing)

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

02 - Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in rice, 1 tablespoon butter, and salt.

03 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.

04 - Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

05 - Fluff rice with a fork, then gently fold in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest.

06 - Stir in an additional tablespoon of butter for extra richness if desired.

07 - Serve warm as a side accompaniment.

01 -

It comes together in under 30 minutes, so you can serve bright, restaurant-quality rice on a weeknight without stress.
The fresh cilantro and lime juice keep it from ever feeling heavy, making it the perfect companion to grilled or Mexican dishes.
One pot and a fork are all you really need, which means minimal cleanup after dinner.

02 -

Never add the cilantro and lime to hot rice and then let it sit—the heat will turn the cilantro dark and the lime juice will become muted. Add them right before serving for maximum brightness.
If your rice comes out a bit dry, a tablespoon of butter folded in with the cilantro will rescue it completely; this learned lesson has saved countless batches.

03 -

If you're cooking for a crowd, make this recipe and double it—the ratios scale perfectly, and you'll be glad you did.
Room-temperature lime juice releases more flavorful oils than cold juice, so pull it from the counter, not the cold drawer.