Simple and Delicious Spanish Rice
Transform your weeknight dinners with this **Simple and Delicious Spanish Rice**, a flavorful one-pan dish that's perfect as a side or a tasty standalone meal. Bursting with vibrant spices like **ground cumin** and **paprika**, and enriched with the bold combination of **tomato sauce** and **chicken broth**, this recipe delivers authentic Spanish-inspired flavors in just 35 minutes. Perfectly toast your **long-grain white rice** to a nutty golden brown, then simmer it alongside sautéed aromatics like **finely diced onion** and **minced garlic** for a dish that's both aromatic and deeply satisfying. Garnished with optional **fresh cilantro**, this recipe is as versatile as it is easy, complementing everything from grilled meats to vegetarian main courses. Whether you're planning a family dinner or looking for a reliable potluck dish, this quick and flavorful Spanish rice recipe is sure to impress.
Smart Nutrition Tracking with SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from clumping.
In a large skillet or saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the rice to the skillet and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns golden and slightly nutty in aroma.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with the lid and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam.
Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a serving bowl.
Optional: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for added flavor and garnish before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
165 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.2 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 825 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.7 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.1 g | ||
| Protein | 4.4 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 42 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 364 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.
