Spanish Rice
A vibrant, flavorful rice side dish cooked with tomatoes, onions, and savory spices. This Tex-Mex classic, often called Mexican Rice, is the perfect partner for tacos, enchiladas, or any grilled meat.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Toast the Rice
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan or pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat.
- c.Add the rinsed and drained rice. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until the grains turn opaque and are lightly golden and fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Aromatics
- b.Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- c.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine Liquids and Spices
- b.Pour in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- c.Stir everything together to combine and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Rice
- b.Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting.
- c.Cover the pot with the lid and let it simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Fluff
- b.Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 10 minutes. This crucial step allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- c.After resting, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Gently stir in the chopped fresh cilantro.
- c.Serve warm as a side dish, with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinsing the rice is essential to remove excess starch, which prevents the final dish from being gummy.
- 2Don't skip toasting the rice. This step gives it a wonderful nutty flavor and helps the grains stay separate.
- 3Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice is simmering. This allows the steam to escape and can result in unevenly cooked rice.
- 4For a richer flavor, you can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if you are not making a vegetarian version.
- 5For extra nutrition and color, stir in 1/2 cup of frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots along with the broth.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Spanish Rice
Add one finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onion for a spicy kick.
Vegetable Spanish RiceVegetable Spanish Rice
Stir in 1 cup of mixed frozen vegetables like corn, peas, and diced carrots when you add the broth.
Smoky Spanish RiceSmoky Spanish Rice
Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the other spices for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Energy
The primary ingredient, rice, is a carbohydrate-rich grain that provides a quick and easily digestible source of energy to fuel your body and brain.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases. Spices like cumin and oregano also contribute beneficial antioxidant compounds.
Supports Digestion
Spices used in this recipe, such as cumin, have traditionally been used to aid digestion and can help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of about 1 cup contains approximately 300-350 calories, primarily from the carbohydrates in the rice and fats from the cooking oil.