Simple Spanish Rice
Transform your weeknight dinners with this irresistibly flavorful Simple Spanish Rice! A vibrant twist on a classic side, this dish starts with perfectly toasted long-grain white rice cooked to fluffy perfection in a savory blend of chicken or vegetable broth and rich tomato sauce. Aromatic sautéed onions and garlic infuse every bite with warmth, while bold spices like cumin and chili powder add a hint of smoky heat. Toss in juicy diced tomatoes for pops of freshness, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a fragrant garnish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pan recipe is the perfect accompaniment to tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats—or enjoy it as a standalone dish. Quick, easy, and bursting with authentic Spanish-inspired flavors, it’s a must-try addition to your dinner rotation!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Finely chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic. Add them to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes, toasting the rice until it turns slightly golden.
Pour in the broth and tomato sauce, and stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Stir in the diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during cooking to ensure proper steaming.
After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes, still covered, to fully absorb any remaining liquid.
Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Transfer it to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it on its own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
664 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.6 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3380 mg | 147% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 81.4 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.3 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.2 g | ||
| Protein | 12.9 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 146 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 553 mg | 12% | |
*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.
