Description
This Best Spanish Rice recipe offers a flavorful and aromatic side dish made with long-grain white rice simmered in a rich tomato and chicken broth mixture, infused with spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder. It’s a perfect accompaniment to Mexican or Spanish-inspired meals, with tender vegetables and a vibrant, smoky taste from fire-roasted tomatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Fats and Oils
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 14.5 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes, not drained
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Melt fats: In a large pan or skillet with a lid, melt the butter together with the olive oil over medium heat to create a flavorful base for cooking the rice and vegetables.
- Sauté rice and vegetables: Add the long-grain white rice, finely chopped onion, and diced bell pepper to the pan. Cook over medium to medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the rice turns golden brown and the vegetables become tender. This process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and enhances the nutty flavor of the rice.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute to release its fragrant aromas without burning it.
- Add liquids and spices: Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Stir everything well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Simmer the rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Rest the rice: Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the grains to firm up and the flavors to meld.
- Fluff and serve: Use a fork to fluff the rice gently before serving to separate the grains and enhance the texture.
Notes
- To add extra depth, you can toast the spices briefly in the pan before adding the liquids to release more aroma.
- Use low sodium chicken broth if you want to control the salt content better.
- This rice pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, beans, or as a base for burrito bowls.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the butter or use a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Keywords: Spanish rice, Mexican rice, tomato rice, side dish, easy rice recipe, fire-roasted tomatoes, cumin rice
