Simplest Spanish Rice
Bring a taste of Spain to your table with this easy and flavorful "Simplest Spanish Rice" recipe. Perfectly seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin and paprika, this one-pot wonder combines long-grain white rice, sautéed onions, garlic, and a rich tomato paste base for a dish that's bursting with vibrant color and bold, authentic flavors. Simmered to fluffy perfection in chicken or vegetable broth, it’s an effortless side dish that pairs beautifully with tacos, grilled chicken, or as a stand-alone meal. Ready in just 35 minutes, this quick and satisfying recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family with a homemade favorite. Don’t forget to sprinkle it with a touch of fresh cilantro for a zesty finish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 medium, diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional) fresh cilantro
Instructions
In a medium-sized skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the uncooked rice and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring the rice and aromatics are evenly coated.
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and give everything a good stir to combine.
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a light boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and, if desired, garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
618 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.7 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2934 mg | 128% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 74.5 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.6 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.8 g | ||
| Protein | 11.8 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 109 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 728 mg | 15% | |
*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.
