The Best Authentic Spanish Rice
Transform your meals with the rich, savory flavors of *The Best Authentic Spanish Rice*! This irresistible recipe features perfectly toasted long-grain white rice simmered to tender perfection in a vibrant blend of chicken broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes, enhanced by aromatic spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. A touch of sautéed onion and garlic adds depth to every bite, while a golden-brown texture sets this dish apart. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's the ideal side dish for tacos, enchiladas, or any Spanish-inspired feast. Customize it with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, and finish with fresh cilantro for a burst of brightness. Simple, flavorful, and comforting—this Spanish rice is sure to become your go-to!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan with a tightly fitting lid over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the rinsed rice and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Cook until the rice is golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine thoroughly.
Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer the rice for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid has been fully absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid or stirring during this time, as it can disrupt the cooking process.
After 20 minutes, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This helps the rice achieve the perfect texture.
Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish or as a base for your favorite Mexican or Spanish-inspired meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1003 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.8 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 6446 mg | 280% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 150.7 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.5 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.4 g | ||
| Protein | 23.1 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 248 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 1053 mg | 22% | |
*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.
