Mexican Rice
There are several excellent Mexican grocery stores in the small town where I live, plus a meat market and a first-rate bakery that every day bakes the most delicious sweets and breads you could ever wish for. They carry Mexican fruit flavored sodas and ice creams bars (coconut is my favorite of course) and serve an extensive menu of some of the best food you will find anywhere north of the Rio Grande in the little restaurant attached to the bakery. There is a lovely outdoor patio in the back if it’s a nice day and you feel like sitting outside. Panaderia y Taqueria Gonzales is located on First Street, the main thoroughfare through Newberg (just 2 lanes and you usually end up stopping at every red light along the 20 block strip). I’m so addicted to their food that I could easily eat in or order take-out at least once a week. If you are headed to Oregon’s Northern wine country or to the mid-coast beaches you will probably pass through Newberg, and if you are hungry when you do it I suggest you stop at Panaderia y Taqueria Gonzales for some of the best Mexican food you’ve ever eaten. It makes me hungry just thinking about it.
Mexican Rice
This recipe for Mexican rice is my favorite and it’s quick and easy to prepare at home. I like to serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or pork tenderloin. Sometimes I spoon it into an oven proof casserole and top it with lots of grated sharp cheddar cheese, stick in the oven until cheese has melted, and then serve it with salsa verde and sour cream. I got it a little on the hot side this time so I had to use extra sour cream on my serving. Those jalapenos can sneak up on a person. I also served enchiladas with spicy pork and refried beans with crumbled cotija cheese, both from my favorite Mexican restaurant. How’s that for serving a fantastic meal with very little effort! Inexpensive too!!!
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (or more if you like it hot)
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1-1/2 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups canned diced tomatoes with liquid (I used a can of Rotel)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- chopped cilantro for garnish
- Heat the oil in the pan.
- Add onions, garlic, green or red pepper and jalapeno and saute until tender, about 8-1o minutes.
- Add the rice, chicken stock, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin and salt and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover and simmer until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
If you pass through Newberg on your way to Wine Country or The Coast I hope you will stop and try this wonderful little restaurant. Be sure to select a variety of pastries while you are there and say “hi” for me.
Panaderia y Taqueria Gonzales
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This post is part of Foodie Friday at Rattlebridge Farm
I live in a large Hispanic community, because of all the agriculture in my part of the world. Sadly, I cannot find a local Mexican restaurant that serves authentic and delicious food. I’ve been spoiled, though, as my Nana made some fabulous homemade tortillas with all the fixin’s. I love Mexican rice, wrapped up in a fresh flour tortilla with homemade refried beans. So good! You’ve definitely stirred up my hunger!
Foodiewife recently posted..Cheese Burger Buns
Wow, what a great little restaurant. It might go unnoticed if you didn’t know about it. I can’t remember much about Newberg. We stayed at a B&B outside Dundee, ate at many restaurants in the area, and I think passed through it on our way back and forth to wineries? I’ll have to look at a map. Anyway, I appreciate this recipe and if it comes recommended by you, I know it will be great. Can you believe I don’t have a good Mexican Rice Recipe?
Lea Ann (Cooking on the Ranch) recently posted..Happy Birthday America
I’m with you when it comes to this blend of flavors in Mexican rice. For our recent gourmet gathering in Maine, I had a Mexican menu. Let me tell you, it’s not easy to find everything here.
Linda recently posted..Holiday Dreams
Happy 4th of July to you!
I love experiencing local grocers who represent community. There is no doubt that the food is delicious , and that is Mexican rice is awesome.
Velva
velva recently posted..Happy 236th Birthday America!
Oh that sounds wonderful!
this rice looks so fantastic – I love the flavors and spices, it’s bookmarked and I’m making this tomorrow 🙂
mary x
Mary recently posted..July 4th Creamy Vanilla Cupcakes.
Hi Cathy, I love that quaint and pretty looking restaurant, wish we have restaurants like these here! Rice is our main staple here so this dish should go down well with the folks here:D looks yummy and colorful!
Jeannie recently posted..Dates loaf using Jamie Oliver’s pizza dough
Mexican ingredients are hard to come by here but if I cross over the border into Washington State they are even found at WalMart.
bellini recently posted..Enjoy Marinated Mozzarella and Pepper Salad as the Virtual Supper Club Celebrates
The restaurant sounds very nice and while I couldn’t find they had a website, they get very good reviews from the restaurant rating sites. Your rice dish sounds just right.
Larry recently posted..Summer Flowers – 2012
Unfortunately they don’t have a website, Larry. I had hoped to show their menu but they don’t even have a printed one in their restaurant. Orders are placed at a counter and the menu is written on the wall behind it. Couldn’t get a readable photo of it. Everything I have tried is delicious.
Cathy recently posted..Mexican Rice
You have definitely made me hungry! Obviously in the Phoenix area we also have access to lots of killer Mexican food, I never take it for granted and try new stuff often.
Rhonda recently posted..Favorite Things #26 – My Keurig Coffee Maker
I think I really could eat rice 3 times a day.
Looks good.
And those pastries….oh my.
It’s too hot to cook so we’re going out to our favorite Mexican restaurant tonight 🙂 This sounds like a delicious recipe! My husband would love the ‘heat’ 🙂
Susan recently posted..Caramlized Onion Toasts and A Night of Gourmet~
Didn’t know about this place. Looks yummy! Always love special pastries. I am posting your recipe for the crackers today.
Marilyn recently posted..Experience Tea
Super yummy Cathy and that bakery…….. oh my! It’s making me want to pack my bags for the northwest!
The Caf̩ Sucr̩ Farine recently posted..Macadamia & Hazelnut Sticky Buns Рthe Five Minute Way!
Your Mexican rice looks terrific. It is really funny how you can taste one jalapeño and it is a mild as a green pepper. You can taste another and it is so hot that it about melts your mouth. I always cut a tiny piece to see how hot it is and then I know whether to mince it very small or chop it into bigger pieces.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted..Spaghetti Alla Portofino
We just ordered Mexican take-home tonight and I swear your Mexican rice looks identical to what I ordered tonight. I’ve got to learn how to make your recipe since I’ve only ordered it at a restaurant. I could eat it at every meal!!! Lucky you that you have such a nice Mexican bakery/shop near you!
Roz recently posted..grill-roated corn with black bean summer salad with avocados and more
I eat rice almost every day. This looks so tasty and loaded with flavours.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Mixed Seeds Light Rye Bread