South Texas Spanish Rice
Experience the bold, hearty flavors of South Texas Spanish Rice, a one-skillet side dish that’s packed with vibrant ingredients and warm spices. This recipe starts with golden, toasted long-grain white rice, which is simmered to perfection in a rich blend of tomato sauce and chicken broth, infused with cumin, chili powder, and paprika for an irresistible smoky kick. Diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic add a savory depth, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro brings a refreshing finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-make rice is perfect for accompanying tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, or any Tex-Mex feast. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or sprucing up a weeknight meal, South Texas Spanish Rice delivers authentic flavor with every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 0.5 cup yellow onion, diced
- 0.5 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the rice to the pan and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly golden and fragrant.
Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid while the rice cooks to ensure even steaming.
Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
929 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.4 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.1 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 25.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4749 mg | 206% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 120.9 g | 44% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.6 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.3 g | ||
| Protein | 22.3 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 189 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 9.8 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 1816 mg | 39% | |
*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.
