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spanish rice recipe

Easy Spanish Rice Recipe

This Easy Spanish Rice Recipe turns boring white rice into fluffy golden magic that tastes like pure Mexican sunshine in a bowl. Every grain bursts with tomato-cumin goodness that makes you forget you're eating a simple side dish.
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Course: Mexican, Side Dish
Cuisine: Latin American, Mexican
Keyword: easy spanish rice, fluffy rice, mexican rice, one pan rice, spanish rice recipe, spanish rice with cumin, stovetop rice, tomato rice
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 210kcal
Cost: $4.25

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet with tight-fitting lid For toasting rice and proper steaming
  • 1 Wooden Spoon For stirring without scratching the pan
  • 1 Measuring cups For accurate rice-to-liquid ratios
  • 1 Fork To fluff the finished rice properly

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice jasmine or basmati work great
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for toasting and cooking
  • 1 medium onion diced.for aromatic base
  • 2 cloves garlic minced for depth of flavor
  • 1 can(8 oz) tomato sauce adds color and flavor
  • 2 cups chicken broth low sodium preferred
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin essential for authentic flavor
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder for mild heat and color
  • ½ teaspoon paprika for extra color and smokiness
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground preferred
  • ½ cup frozen peas optional but adds color
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped,for garnish
  • 1 whole jalapeño minced,optional for heat
  • 1 whole bay leaf optional for extra depth

Instructions

  • Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.
    toast the rice for spanish rice recipe until lightly golden and aromatic
  • Add rice and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden. Don't let it burn or you'll taste it in every bite. Rice should smell nutty and toasty.
  • Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
    build the base for spanish rice recipe by cooking onions, garlic, tomato sauce, and spices
  • Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add tomato sauce and spices. Cook 2 minutes until sauce darkens slightly.
  • Pour in chicken broth and bring to boil.
    add liquid and simmer spanish rice recipe with broth until rice is tender and infused with flavor
  • Reduce heat to low, cover tightly. Simmer 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid. Liquid should be absorbed and rice tender
  • Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
    fluff and finish spanish rice recipe with peas and cilantro for light, fluffy texture
  • Fluff with fork and stir in peas, cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Should be fluffy with separate grains.

Notes

The magic happens when you toast each grain until golden, creating nutty depth that becomes fluffy perfection. Let it rest before fluffing ,patience gets you separate grains that taste like Mexican sunshine and pure comfort food bliss.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 580mg | Potassium: 320mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 480IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1.8mg