Quick Spanish Rice
Transform your weeknight dinners with this Quick Spanish Rice recipe, a flavorful and vibrant side dish that's ready in just 25 minutes! Made with tender long-grain white rice, savory tomato sauce, and aromatic spices like cumin and paprika, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for pairing with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. The sautéed onions and garlic create a rich base, while the optional cilantro garnish adds a fresh, zesty finish. Whether you use chicken broth or opt for a vegetarian version with vegetable broth, this easy Spanish rice recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Ideal for busy weeknights or spicing up your next Tex-Mex feast, this one-pan wonder will quickly become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the uncooked rice to the pan and stir well to coat it in the oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice begins to lightly toast.
Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Stir to combine, ensuring the rice is submerged in the liquid.
Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure even cooking.
Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes with the lid still on.
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired.
Serve warm as a side dish or base for your favorite Tex-Mex meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
657 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.9 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.3 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2037 mg | 89% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 74.4 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 11.5 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 72 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 400 mg | 9% | |
*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.
