How to Make Homemade Mexican Rice From Scratch. Looking for recipes and ideas for easy weeknight sides and side dishes for dinners and meals? Great for taco tuesday or if you just love the authentic restaurant style rice they serve at your favorite place! We don't use salsa, but here's what you'll need. Whole peeled tomatoes canned, onion, chicken stock, cumin, long-grain white rice, jalapeno pepper, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice.