Ivy League dining hall

Ivy League dining hall is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Louis Gantus on YouTube.

Prep: 8 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 38 min

Cost: $2.45 total, $0.61 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Long Grain White Rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
  • 2.5 cups Water (cold)
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon Lime Zest (finely grated)
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Cilantro (packed, chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the Rice

    Place the rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water, stirring with your hand, until the water runs clear.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Prep the Aromatics

    While the rice drains, zest the lime, then juice it. Roughly chop the cilantro and set aside.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Combine Rice and Water

    Add the rinsed rice, 2.5 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt to the saucepan. Give a quick stir to distribute the rice evenly.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Bring to a Boil

    Place the saucepan over medium‑high heat and bring to a rolling boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 212°F

  5. Simmer Covered

    Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly with the lid, and let simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Low simmer (around 200°F)

  6. Rest Off Heat

    Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Fluff and Flavor

    Uncover, fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro. Season with a pinch of black pepper if desired.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
200
Protein
4g
Carbohydrates
44g
Fat
4g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free

Allergens: None (contains olive oil)

Last updated: March 20, 2026

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Ivy League dining hall

Recipe by Louis Gantus

A bright, fragrant side dish inspired by the cilantro‑lime rice served at Princeton's Rockefeller and Mathey dining halls. Perfectly fluffy white rice tossed with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of olive oil makes a refreshing accompaniment to any main.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
9m
Prep
25m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
44m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.45
Total cost
$0.61
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Rinse the rice until water runs clear
  • Simmer the rice covered without lifting the lid
  • Fluff the rice before adding lime and cilantro

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot saucepan with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Do not lift the lid while the rice is simmering; steam can cause scalding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of cilantro lime rice in American college dining halls?

A

Cilantro lime rice became popular in U.S. college dining halls as a fresh, low‑cost side that pairs well with a variety of proteins. Its bright flavor offers a break from heavier cafeteria staples and reflects a growing interest in globally inspired, health‑conscious campus meals.

cultural
Q

How does the cilantro lime rice served at Princeton's Rockefeller and Mathey dining halls differ from typical cafeteria rice?

A

Princeton’s version emphasizes fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro added after cooking, giving it a vibrant, herbaceous profile that’s lighter than the plain, butter‑flavored rice often found in other halls.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of cilantro lime rice exist in Latin American cuisine?

A

In Mexican cuisine, a similar dish called "arroz verde" uses cilantro, lime, and sometimes tomatillo for a green hue. In Peruvian cooking, rice is often flavored with cilantro and lime alongside aji amarillo for heat.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is cilantro lime rice traditionally served with in American campus culture?

A

Students often request cilantro lime rice on themed food nights, such as Mexican or Caribbean nights, and it’s a favorite side for outdoor barbecues and spring picnics on campus.

cultural
Q

How does cilantro lime rice fit into the broader American cafeteria side‑dish tradition?

A

It reflects the shift toward lighter, vegetable‑forward sides that complement protein‑heavy entrees, aligning with modern nutrition guidelines and student demand for fresh flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for cilantro lime rice versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include long‑grain white rice, fresh lime juice and zest, and fresh cilantro. Acceptable substitutes are jasmine or basmati rice, lemon juice in place of lime, and parsley if cilantro is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other American college‑cuisine dishes pair well with cilantro lime rice?

A

It pairs nicely with grilled chicken, Peruvian‑style chicken, falafel, roasted vegetables, and meatloaf—common mains in Ivy League dining halls.

cultural
Q

What makes cilantro lime rice special or unique in the context of Ivy League dining halls?

A

Its bright, citrusy flavor provides a refreshing contrast to the often heavier, comfort‑food style meals served on campus, making it a standout favorite among students seeking a lighter side.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cilantro lime rice at home?

A

Common errors include not rinsing the rice (resulting in gummy texture), lifting the lid while simmering (causing uneven cooking), and adding lime or cilantro before the rice is fully cooked, which dulls their fresh flavor.

technical
Q

Can I make cilantro lime rice ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, cook the rice up to the resting step, cool it quickly, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat gently with a splash of water and stir in fresh lime juice and cilantro before serving for maximum brightness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Louis Gantus specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Louis Gantus focuses on food commentary, campus dining reviews, and humorous takes on college cuisine, often highlighting the quirks of university cafeterias across the United States.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Louis Gantus's approach to American campus food differ from other food review channels?

A

Louis Gantus blends comedic storytelling with detailed visual breakdowns of dining hall meals, emphasizing cost, portion size, and student perspective, whereas many food channels concentrate on restaurant or home cooking techniques alone.

channel

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