Portuguese Spiced Rice
Infused with bold Mediterranean flavors, Portuguese Spiced Rice is a fragrant, one-pot side dish that elevates any meal. This flavorful recipe combines fluffy long-grain white rice with a rich blend of warm spices like paprika, cumin, and turmeric, balanced by the subtle heat of optional cayenne pepper. Simmered with a savory mix of chicken or vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, and aromatic onions and garlic, this dish is as comforting as it is vibrant. Finished with a fresh parsley garnish, it pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables. Quick and easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, Portuguese Spiced Rice is a versatile, crowd-pleasing addition to your dinner table. Ideal for lovers of global cuisine, it’s a must-try recipe for anyone seeking a hearty and aromatic rice dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the uncooked rice to the pan and stir well to coat it in the oil and aromatics. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the crushed tomatoes, and stir to combine.
Add the bay leaf, paprika, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Discard the bay leaf, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1660 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 47.4 g | 61% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.6 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4979 mg | 216% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 276.5 g | 101% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.7 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.1 g | ||
| Protein | 31.3 g | 63% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 240 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 9.5 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 1370 mg | 29% | |
*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.
