Description
Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe bursting with bold flavors of tomatoes & spices, easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon paprika (preferably Spanish)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Begin by measuring all ingredients and having them ready beside your cooking area. Dice your onion and bell pepper into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Mince the garlic finely. Having everything prepped beforehand makes the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.
- Step 2: Toast the Rice Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the rice and stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until it turns opaque and slightly golden. This toasting step is crucial for developing flavor and ensuring each grain maintains its integrity during cooking.
- Step 3: Sauté Aromatics Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the toasted rice. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, chicken broth, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—these contain tremendous flavor! Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Simmer to Perfection Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer undisturbed for 20-25 minutes. The rice will absorb the flavorful liquid and become tender. Remove from heat and let stand, still covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish the cooking process.
- Step 6: Fluff and Serve Uncover the pot and fluff the rice gently with a fork, being careful not to crush the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving your perfect Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe alongside your favorite main dishes.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg