This Mexican fried rice has quickly won over my heart. It's fast (uses leftover rice) and the flavors are SO delicious. We love to serve it as a side dish along with any Mexican-type main course.
Heat a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until hot. Add frozen corn kernels and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring often until blackened. Remove from pan and set aside.
Turn heat down to medium low and add diced onions, minced garlic, and shredded carrots. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often until onions are translucent and carrots are softened.
Add rice and cabbage and stir well. Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until rice is warmed through and cabbage is starting to wilt.
Add blackened corn, diced roma tomato, and drained green chilies and cook for 1 minute until just barely heated through. Stir well and add salt and pepper, to taste. Serve garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
1. I normally use leftover refrigerated rice in this recipe. If you do want to cook the rice just for this dish, it takes about ¾ to 1 cup of uncooked long grain white rice. Make sure to refrigerate it after cooking for a little while. I usually cook rice in the electric pressure cooker for 6 minutes on HIGH Pressure. I add a 3:5 ratio of rice to water and a little salt. I've never tried it, but I think cooked long grain brown rice would work great too.