Description
Easy Spanish Rice is a flavorful, easy side dish made with long grain white rice, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, and warm spices for a fluffy, comforting rice recipe that pairs perfectly with tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, beans, and other Mexican inspired meals.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces tomato sauce
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots, optional
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, optional
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the uncooked rice and stir well. Toast the rice for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until some grains look lightly golden.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until the rice is evenly coated.
5. Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
7. If using peas and carrots, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
8. Remove the pan from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
9. Fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Use long grain white rice for the best fluffy texture and to keep the rice from turning sticky.
Toasting the rice before adding the liquid gives the finished dish a deeper flavor and better texture.
Add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers so the rice stays soft and does not dry out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg