Lisa's Mexican Style Rice

I make this rice when we have a Mexican meal. Today I made it to go with the chili.
Rice cooker method

2 tablespoons cooking oil. I use olive
1/2 cup finley chopped onion
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
2 cups long-grain white rice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro leaves (optional)


Place a oil in a pan. Add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring a few times until the onion is translucent and softened, about 5 minutes.

Add the rice, salt and spices and stir to coat. Add water and tomato paste and stir until combined. Close the cover and set for the regular rice cycle.

When complete let rice steam for about 15 minutes. Fluff the rice with paddle.