Lime-Cilantro Rice

We eat a lot of rice at our house. My husband lived on rice and beans for a couple years, the girls love it and it is a great side with many of the dishes we like. This is my favorite way to eat it if the main course is anything remotely related to Mexican food.

*2 c. + 2 TBSP. liquid (I usually use a can of chicken broth and add the rest water. You can also use water and some chicken bouillon; I often use a product called Maggi Chicken Flavor Bouillon granules)
*1 tsp. butter (use the real stuff if you've got it or don't use anything)
*1 c. long grain white rice
*1/4 c. green enchilada sauce
*1/4 c. lime juice
*1/4 c. cilantro leaves, chopped

In a medium saucepan, bring the liquid and butter to a boil over high heat. Add the rice and stir to combine. Return to a boil. Cover with lid and turn heat to low. Simmer for 25 minutes. Don't take the lid off while cooking. If you can, use a glass lid so you can see that all the liquid is absorbed and there are little holes/tunnels throughout the rice. While it is cooking combine the enchilada sauce, lime juice and cilantro in a small bowl. Warm in microwave if ingredients are cold (see note below). When rice is done, quickly remove lid, dump sauce on top, replace lid and let stand for about 5 minutes. Remove lid and stir gently before serving.

Notes: Since I do not know anyone who likes running to the grocery store for little items to start a meal, here's a quick way to keep all these ingredients on hand. Fill ice cube trays with enchilada sauce and freeze. Most trays hold about 2 TBSP. so you would just need 2 cubes for this recipe. Target makes a store brand of green enchilada sauce that is much cheaper than most and tastes good in this. I do the same with lime juice. When you see them on sale, but a dozen or more limes, juice them into ice trays and freeze. If I don't use the whole bunch of cilantro, I wash and chop it and portion a TBSP or so into the ice trays, just cover with water and freeze. Once you have all these little frozen cubes, divide into freezer zip bags and label. Next time you make the rice, all the prep is done, just thaw and use.