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
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
Prep the Aromatics
While the rice drains, zest the lime, then juice it. Roughly chop the cilantro and set aside.
Time: PT3M
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
Bring to a Boil
Place the saucepan over medium‑high heat and bring to a rolling boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 212°F
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)
Rest Off Heat
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming.
Time: PT5M
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)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Long Grain White Rice: Jasmine rice, Basmati rice, Brown rice
- Instead of Lime Juice: Lemon juice
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Parsley
- Instead of Olive Oil: Avocado oil, Vegetable oil
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan with Lid
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Heat‑Resistant Spatula
- Fine Mesh Sieve (optional)
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Rinse the rice until water runs clear
- Simmer the rice covered without lifting the lid
- Fluff the rice before adding lime and cilantro
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the rice in a little oil for 2 minutes before adding water for a nuttier flavor.
- Use jasmine or basmati rice for extra fragrance.
Troubleshooting
Rice is mushy or sticks together
Reduce the water by ¼ cup next time and ensure the lid stays on during simmering.
Rice is undercooked and crunchy
Add ¼ cup more water, cover, and simmer an additional 3‑5 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months; reheat with a splash of water.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the rice up to the resting step, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently with a splash of water and stir in fresh lime and cilantro before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cilantro lime rice in American college dining halls?
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.
How does the cilantro lime rice served at Princeton's Rockefeller and Mathey dining halls differ from typical cafeteria rice?
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.
What traditional regional variations of cilantro lime rice exist in Latin American cuisine?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is cilantro lime rice traditionally served with in American campus culture?
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.
How does cilantro lime rice fit into the broader American cafeteria side‑dish tradition?
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.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for cilantro lime rice versus acceptable substitutes?
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.
What other American college‑cuisine dishes pair well with cilantro lime rice?
It pairs nicely with grilled chicken, Peruvian‑style chicken, falafel, roasted vegetables, and meatloaf—common mains in Ivy League dining halls.
What makes cilantro lime rice special or unique in the context of Ivy League dining halls?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cilantro lime rice at home?
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.
Can I make cilantro lime rice ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Louis Gantus specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel Louis Gantus's approach to American campus food differ from other food review channels?
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.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
