My Spanish Rice
Elevate your dinner table with "My Spanish Rice," a vibrant and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for weeknight meals or festive gatherings. This easy-to-make recipe features tender, perfectly cooked long-grain white rice infused with a rich blend of tomato sauce, smoky paprika, cumin, and a hint of chili powder for a warm, spiced kick. Sautéed onions and garlic bring depth, while optional frozen peas add a pop of color and texture. Simmered to perfection in flavorful chicken or vegetable broth, this one-pan wonder is quick to prepare, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, herbaceous finish, and serve alongside tacos, grilled chicken, or your favorite vegetarian main. Whether you're crafting a Spanish-inspired feast or simply looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe is a must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2.5 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the rice to the skillet and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes slightly golden and aromatic.
Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken (or vegetable) broth, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.
Simmer the rice for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid or stir during this time.
If using frozen peas, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking, gently folding them into the rice.
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired.
Serve immediately as a side dish or as a base for your favorite protein or vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
222 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.9 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 3 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 1335 mg | 58% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.4 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.9 g | ||
| Protein | 5.9 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 50 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 385 mg | 8% | |
*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.
