Spanish Rice Recipe: A Flavorful and Easy Side Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, until lightly toasted.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  6. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  7. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large skillet - Needed for sautéing onions, peppers, and toasting the rice.
  • Wooden spoon - Useful for stirring the rice and vegetables while cooking.
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure rice and broth.
  • Chef's knife - For chopping onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
  • Cutting board - To chop and prepare vegetables.
  • Saucepan - To heat the broth before adding to the rice.
  • Fork - For fluffing the rice before serving.

Recipe overview

Spanish rice, also known as Mexican rice, is a flavorful and versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of dishes. This recipe features aromatic long-grain rice cooked with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a blend of spices to create a savory and satisfying dish. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this delicious Spanish rice as a side to your favorite Mexican-inspired meals or as a standalone dish. Let's get cooking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Brown rice can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time and may result in a slightly different texture.
  2. Can I add other vegetables to the Spanish rice? Yes, feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables like corn, peas, or carrots.
  3. Is it possible to make this recipe vegan? Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this recipe vegan.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the Spanish rice ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
  5. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover Spanish rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large skillet - Essential for cooking the Spanish rice and sautéing the vegetables.
  • Wooden spoon - Useful for stirring the rice and vegetables while cooking.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Needed to accurately measure the ingredients for the recipe.
  • Chef's knife - For chopping the onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
  • Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for chopping the vegetables.
  • Fork - To fluff the cooked rice before serving.
  • Covered pot - To simmer the rice until tender and allow it to rest before serving.

Origin stories

Spanish rice, also known as Mexican rice, has its origins in Mexico. This flavorful dish is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is commonly served as a side dish alongside various main courses such as tacos, enchiladas, or burritos. The combination of rice, tomatoes, peppers, and spices creates a delicious and satisfying dish that has become popular worldwide for its vibrant flavors and versatility.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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