Gather all your ingredients before you start. Clean your workspace and ensure all components are ready to go. This makes cooking more enjoyable and less chaotic.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and oil. Once the butter has melted and begins to bubble, it’s ready for the next step. This mixture creates a rich flavor base for the rice.

Add the rinsed or unrinsed rice to the saucepan. Stir gently for about 2-3 minutes. You want to give the rice a little toast in the oil mixture. This step enhances the overall taste by adding a nutty flavor.

Pour in 4 cups of water (or stock for an extra layer of flavor), add the bay leaf, salt, and cumin. Bring everything to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. The rice will absorb all those wonderful flavors as it cooks.

Cover the saucepan and let it simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. You’ll know it’s ready when you see little steam holes on the surface of the rice.

Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat. Discard the bay leaf. Add fresh lime juice, lemon juice, and the chopped cilantro. Gently fluff the rice with a fork. The colors and aromas will entice before you even take a bite!

At this point, you can serve it hot or keep it warm for later. The rice is now a perfect side dish for any meal, fresh, and full of life.