Description
Spanish Rice is a vibrant, savory side dish made with long-grain rice simmered in a tomato-based broth with garlic, onion, and traditional seasonings. It’s fluffy, flavorful, and the perfect companion to any Mexican or Tex-Mex meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and cook, stirring often, for 5–6 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and tomato sauce. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in fresh cilantro, if using. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use brown rice for a whole-grain option (increase liquid and cooking time).
- To make it spicy, add diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes when sautéing onion.
- This rice pairs well with tacos, grilled chicken, enchiladas, or stuffed peppers.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg