Spanish Rice Using Tomato Sauce
Transform your weeknight dinners with this flavorful and easy Spanish Rice Using Tomato Sauce! This one-pot dish combines perfectly toasted white rice, a robust tomato sauce base, and aromatic seasonings like cumin and chili powder for a savory and slightly smoky flavor. Infused with sautéed onions and garlic, then simmered to perfection in chicken broth, this recipe creates a fluffy, vibrant rice dish that's elevated with the addition of sweet peas or mixed vegetables for a pop of color and nutrition. Topped with fresh cilantro for a bright, herby finish, this restaurant-style Spanish rice pairs beautifully with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. With just 10 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, it’s a hassle-free, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for any occasion!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoons chili powder
- 0.5 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
Add the uncooked white rice to the saucepan. Stir frequently and toast the rice lightly for 3-5 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring well to combine.
Add the salt, ground cumin, and chili powder, stirring the mixture to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer the rice for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
In the last 3-5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas or mixed vegetables to allow them to heat through.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam and finish cooking.
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
184 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.1 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9 g | 4% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1062 mg | 46% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.9 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.0 g | ||
| Protein | 5.7 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 54 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 441 mg | 9% | |
*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.
