Vegan Boricua

Vegan Puerto Rican Cilantro Lime Rice with Roasted Vegetables Celebrating Island Flavors

·

Sofrito Avatar
Sofrito

Puerto Rican Vegan Cilantro Lime Rice with Roasted Vegetables

In the vibrant culinary landscape of Puerto Rico, flavors are a celebration of heritage and culture. Today, we’re going to give a classic dish a delicious vegan twist, blending the zesty freshness of cilantro and lime with the rich flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine.

The Cultural Significance

Puerto Rican cuisine is a melting pot of Taíno, Spanish, and African influences, and no dish embodies this blend better than our vegan version of cilantro lime rice. This recipe incorporates the iconic trio of Puerto Rican flavors: Sazón, Adobo, and Sofrito, which are the backbone of traditional cooking on the island.

Ingredients

For the Rice:

  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati work well too)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 ¼ cups water or light vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon Puerto Rican Sazón (see below for homemade recipe)
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems

For the Roasted Vegetables:

  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
  • 1 large zucchini, sliced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large red onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Puerto Rican Adobo (see below for homemade recipe)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Homemade Sazón and Adobo:

Sazón:
  • 1 tablespoon ground annatto (achiote)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
Adobo:
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Rice:

  1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cool running water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, ensuring your rice is light and fluffy.
  2. Sauté the Garlic and Onion: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to combine with the garlic and onion. Cook for about 3 minutes, until the rice is lightly toasted.
  4. Add Cooking Liquid and Sazón: Pour in the water or broth, and add the Sazón and salt. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Simmer and Rest: Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for another 10 minutes.
  6. Fluff and Add Lime and Cilantro: Uncover the rice and fluff it gently with a fork. Stir in the fresh lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro.

Roasting the Vegetables:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season the Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato, zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion with olive oil, Adobo, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
  3. Roast: Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly caramelized.

Bringing It All Together

To serve, place a generous portion of the cilantro lime rice on a plate and top it with the roasted vegetables. This dish is perfect for a vegan meal that honors the flavors and traditions of Puerto Rico.

Tips and Variations

  • Protein Addition: If you want to add protein, consider using beans like black beans or chickpeas, which pair beautifully with the rice and vegetables. Alternatively, you can use TVP (textured vegetable protein), which is easily available and affordable in Puerto Rico.
  • Balancing Flavors: For a savory dish like this, a splash of vinegar can help balance the flavors and add health benefits. Simply add a small amount to taste.

Celebrating Puerto Rican Flavors

This vegan cilantro lime rice with roasted vegetables is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of Puerto Rico. The Sazón adds a golden-red color and depth, the Adobo enhances the vegetables with bold flavor, and the Sofrito (though not used directly here) is the aromatic base that underpins many traditional dishes.

Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine to your table. ¡Buen provecho

  1. Vegan Boricua Pantry Essentials

Latest recipes