The Easy Way To Make The Best Spanish Rice… Recipe

I have created a Healthy Spanish Rice Recipe that features the subtle sweetness of diced onion and garlic, blended with tomato sauce, cumin, and savory chicken broth. I cooked it all with long grain white rice and vegetable oil for a vibrant side that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish.

I always loved experimenting in the kitchen and this Spanish Rice recipe has quickly become a favorite. I recently discovered that using just 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to toast 1 cup of long grain white rice really sets the tone for a dish that is both simple and satisfying.

I dice a small onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic to give the rice a punch of flavor, then simmer it with 2 cups of chicken broth, 8 ounces of tomato sauce and just a touch of cumin, salt, and black pepper. This recipe works great no matter if you’re serving it as a side for grilled chicken or fish.

I like to think it’s versatile enough to play into both a healthy Spanish Rice recipe and a party-ready side dish. It’s one of those savoury rice recipes that brings both flavor and a bit of fun to your meal.

Enjoy the process of making and sharing it with your loved ones!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s super easy to follow. I mean, I can toast the rice, add a little onion and garlic, and then mix in the broth and tomato sauce with just a few steps. Second, the flavors just pop. The toasted rice gives off an amazing nutty flavor and the cumin and tomato sauce add a kick that really brings the dish together. Also, it’s really versatile. I love that I can serve it with almost anything like grilled chicken or fish, which makes me feel like I’m eating something special without all the fuss. Lastly, the aroma that fills the kitchen while it’s cooking is just unbeatable; it reminds me of home and it always makes my stomach rumble before it’s even done.

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil enhances flavor, helps sauté ingredients, and prevents sticking during cooking.
• Long grain white rice acts as the primary carbohydrate source for a satisfying texture.
• Onion offers natural sweetness and fiber, softening as it cooks in the dish.
• Garlic delivers a bold, aromatic touch along with essential antioxidants.
• Chicken broth adds rich, meaty depth and moisture while seasoning the rice.
• Tomato sauce provides a tangy, vitamin-rich base with a hint of natural sweetness.
• Cumin introduces an earthy spice flavor that elevates the overall taste.
• Salt boosts flavors and ties all the ingredients together perfectly.
• Black pepper contributes subtle heat and a mild, peppery spice to finish it off.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium if you can)
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

How to Make this

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it’s shimmering.

2. Add the rice and toast it for about 2 to 3 minutes until it gets a light golden color, stirring occasionally.

3. Stir in the diced onion and cook for another 2 minutes until it starts to soften.

4. Mix in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds; dont let it burn.

5. Pour in the chicken broth and add the tomato sauce while stirring well to combine all the flavors.

6. Sprinkle in the cumin and add salt and black pepper to taste.

7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer then cover the pan.

8. Let it cook on low heat for about 18 to 20 minutes until the liquid is completely absorbed and the rice is tender.

9. Remove the saucepan from the heat and keep it covered for 5 minutes to let the rice steam a bit more.

10. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve it warm with your favorite grilled chicken or fish.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Stove
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Stirring spoon
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Fork for fluffing the rice
8. Serving dish

FAQ

The Easy Way To Make The Best Spanish Rice… Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of vegetable oil, you can use olive oil or canola oil if that’s what you have on hand
• If you don’t have long grain white rice, try using basmati or jasmine rice for a similar texture
• No chicken broth? You can swap it out with veggie broth or even water mixed with a bouillon cube
• If tomato sauce isn’t available then try using fresh tomatoes blended smooth or use tomato paste thinned out with a bit of water
• You might also replace cumin with a pinch of chili powder or paprika if you want a slightly different flavor

Pro Tips

1. Try really toasting the rice in that hot oil till it gets a light golden hue, cuz this gives it a much richer flavor; just be sure not to overdo it so it doesn’t burn, which can make the whole dish bitter.

2. Keep a close eye on the garlic when you add it – if it gets too dark it can ruin the taste, so stir it constantly and throw it in just at the right moment for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.

3. After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes; this extra steam step helps the rice absorb any leftover liquid and makes it super fluffy, which is a total game changer.

4. Use low sodium chicken broth and then add salt later to taste, so you can have full control over how salty it gets; this way you dont risk over seasoning your dish and you can adjust it to your liking.