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Spanish Rice Recipe

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★★★★

4 from 64 reviews

This classic Spanish Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish perfect for pairing with a variety of Mexican and Tex-Mex meals. Long-grain white rice is toasted to a golden brown and then simmered in a savory mixture of chicken broth, tomato sauce, garlic, and spices, creating a deliciously aromatic and fluffy rice dish. Topped with fresh cilantro for a touch of brightness, this recipe serves 8 and takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Oil

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice

Broth and Seasoning

  • 1 cube chicken-flavored bouillon
  • 4 cups water (or 4 cups low sodium chicken broth, no bouillon)
  • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Dash of garlic pepper

Optional Garnish

  • Chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until shimmering, preparing it for toasting the rice.
  2. Toast the rice: Add 2 cups of long-grain white rice to the hot oil. Cook, stirring constantly, until the rice turns a golden brown color, which takes about 5 minutes. This toasting imparts a nutty flavor.
  3. Prepare the broth: Combine one chicken-flavored bouillon cube with 4 cups of water in a microwave-safe container. Microwave the mixture for about 3 minutes to fully dissolve the bouillon, or alternatively, use 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth without bouillon.
  4. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour the hot bouillon mixture, 1 can of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and a dash of garlic pepper into the browned rice in the pan. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.
  5. Simmer the rice: Cover the pan with a lid and let the rice simmer over low to medium heat for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Continue cooking until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  6. Fluff and garnish: Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • Adjust the salt according to your taste, especially if using chicken broth which may already be salted.
  • Ensure toasting the rice is done evenly to avoid any burnt grains that would affect the flavor.
  • Covering the pan properly during simmering helps cook the rice evenly and retain moisture.
  • Adding cilantro at the end preserves its fresh flavor and color.

Keywords: Spanish rice, Mexican rice, side dish, tomato rice, easy rice recipe, long-grain rice

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/spanish-rice-recipe/