Bring vibrant, bold flavors to your table with this Zesty Spanish Rice Low Fat recipe—a healthy twist on a classic favorite. Made with fluffy long-grain white rice, aromatic spices like cumin and paprika, and a touch of heat from chili powder, this dish is as flavorful as it is nourishing. Low in fat and packed with wholesome ingredients like diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and sweet peas, this recipe is a breeze to prepare in just 35 minutes. Fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice add the perfect finishing touch, making it a versatile side dish for tacos, grilled seafood, or roasted vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this easy, one-pot recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the tomato paste, stirring frequently, and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
Mix in the rice and toast it lightly, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
Let the rice cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
Turn off the heat and allow the rice to sit, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming.
Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the frozen peas and chopped cilantro, allowing the residual heat of the rice to warm the peas through.
Serve the Spanish rice with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Calories |
694 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.3 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.2 g | 21% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 5 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 1832 mg | 80% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 106.6 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.1 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.1 g | ||
| Protein | 15.7 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 215 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 9.0 mg | 50% | |
| Potassium | 1775 mg | 38% | |
*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.