1. Gather the Ingredients

   Before you start cooking Mexican rice, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

   • 1 cup of long-grain white rice
   • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
   • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
   • 1 garlic clove, minced
   • 1 cup of tomato sauce
   • 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
   • 1 teaspoon of cumin
   • 1 teaspoon of paprika
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

2. Prepare the Rice

   Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from sticking together. Drain the rice thoroughly.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

   In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.

4. Add the Rice

   Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir it well to coat it evenly with the oil and aromatics. Cook the rice for a few minutes until it starts to turn slightly golden.

5. Simmer with Tomato Sauce and Broth

   Next, add the tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.

   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

6. Fluff and Serve

   Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.

   Before serving, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Your homemade Mexican rice is now ready to be enjoyed!

For more detailed instructions and variations, you can refer to reputable cooking websites or cookbooks specializing in Mexican cuisine, such as Mexico in My Kitchen or The Spruce Eats.

Happy cooking!