Restaurant-style Spanish Rice Recipe
This restaurant-style Spanish rice is a vibrant, flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with Mexican meals, made with tomatoes and spices to deliver a taste reminiscent of your favorite restaurant.
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan with a lid
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- to taste none salt
- optional none fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent sticking. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, sautéing until they are soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb the flavors.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken or vegetable broth, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using homemade broth or adding a bay leaf while cooking the rice (remove it before serving).
This Spanish rice can easily be customized by adding peas, corn, or carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
Serve as a side dish with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats for a complete meal. Enjoy!