Leftover Rice Made Into Spanish Rice
Transform your leftovers into a vibrant, flavorful dish with this easy recipe for Leftover Rice Made Into Spanish Rice. Perfectly seasoned and packed with sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, and a blend of warm spices like cumin and paprika, this recipe turns ordinary cooked rice into a crave-worthy side or main dish. Simmered with tangy tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and a splash of broth, the rice absorbs rich, savory flavors in just 15 minutes of cooking time. Garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, this quick and budget-friendly recipe effortlessly balances bold flavors with a refreshing twist. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this Spanish Rice upgrade is a delicious way to reduce food waste and impress your taste buds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium (diced) yellow onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium (diced) bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 0.5 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (chopped) fresh cilantro
- 1 medium (wedges for garnish) lime
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper. Sauté for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir well, allowing it to coat the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
Add the cooked rice to the skillet and toss to evenly combine with the vegetable mixture.
Pour in 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth. Stir thoroughly.
Season with ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
Let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh cilantro over the Spanish Rice.
Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for a fresh splash of citrus flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1272 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.7 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.8 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 5 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 1988 mg | 86% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 208.6 g | 76% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.9 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.8 g | ||
| Protein | 24.0 g | 48% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 249 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 13.3 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 1640 mg | 35% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
