Best Spanish Rice Recipe

Introduction

Spanish rice is a flavorful and comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with Mexican and Spanish-inspired meals. This recipe uses fire-roasted tomatoes and a mix of spices to create a vibrant, savory rice dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1½ cups long-grain white rice
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 14.5 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes, not drained
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pan or skillet with a lid, melt the butter together with the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the rice, onion, and bell pepper. Cook over medium to medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the rice is golden brown and the vegetables are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Stir well to combine.
5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Step 6: Remove the pan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes.
7. Step 7: Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Stir in some chopped cilantro or green onions just before serving for a fresh touch.
• Use a mix of red and green bell peppers for extra color and sweetness.

Storage

Store any leftover Spanish rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the simmer time accordingly and check the rice for doneness before removing from heat.

Is this dish spicy?

This Spanish rice has a mild heat level from the chili powder. You can adjust the seasoning to taste or omit the chili powder completely if you prefer no spice.

Best Spanish Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 97 reviews

A flavorful and hearty Spanish Rice recipe made by sautéing rice with vegetables and simmering it in a tomato-based broth with aromatic spices. Perfect as a side dish or a base for Mexican-inspired meals.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Spanish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fats and Oils

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables

• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 14.5 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes, not drained

Grains

• 1½ cups long-grain white rice

Liquids

• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Instructions

1. Heat fats: In a large pan or skillet with a lid, melt the butter together with the olive oil over medium heat to prepare the cooking base.
2. Sauté rice and vegetables: Add the rice, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper to the pan. Cook over medium to medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the rice turns golden brown and the vegetables become tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for approximately 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring not to burn the garlic.
4. Add liquids and spices: Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Simmer the rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover with the lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked, tender, and has absorbed the liquid.
6. Rest the rice: After cooking, keep the pan covered and let the rice sit off the heat for 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to finish steaming and enhance the flavor melding.
7. Fluff and serve: Use a fork to fluff the rice before serving to separate the grains and lighten the texture for a perfect finish.

Notes

• Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for added smoky flavor.
• Stir the rice frequently while browning to prevent burning.
• Cover tightly during simmering to ensure the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the liquid.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and chili powder for desired heat level.
• This recipe pairs well with grilled meats or beans for a complete meal.

Keywords: Spanish rice, fire-roasted tomatoes, side dish, Mexican-inspired rice, stovetop rice recipe, flavorful rice