Real Spanish Rice
Transform your dinner table with this vibrant and flavorful recipe for Real Spanish Rice, a true crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with everything from tacos to roasted chicken. Made with long-grain white rice toasted to perfection in olive oil, this dish boasts the bold flavors of fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and seasonings like cumin and smoked paprika for an authentic taste of Spain. Simmered in rich chicken or vegetable broth, the rice achieves a tender, fluffy texture while soaking up all the savory goodness. Garnished with a touch of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness, this quick and easy side dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it a must-try for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Perfectly spiced and irresistibly delicious, this recipe will have your family asking for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large fresh tomato, finely diced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents sticking.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or 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 rinsed rice to the skillet. Cook and stir frequently for 5 minutes until the rice is lightly golden and toasted.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the rice in the seasonings.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Avoid uncovering or stirring during this time, as it disrupts the cooking process.
Once the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender, turn off the heat. Let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam.
Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve warm as a side dish to your favorite meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
163 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.5 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g | 6% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 3 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 923 mg | 40% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.2 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.1 g | ||
| Protein | 3.8 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 30 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 326 mg | 7% | |
*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.
