The Easy Way To Make The Best Spanish Rice… Recipe

I enjoy a healthy Spanish Rice Recipe that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. The long grain white rice, sautéed onions and garlic, tomato sauce, and a hint of cumin blend into a captivating mix of flavors. This dish adds a vibrant touch that sparks excitement on any dining table.

I’ve always been on the lookout for a Spanish Rice recipe that just works perfectly every time and I think I nailed it with this one. This recipe is called The Easy Way To Make The Best Spanish Rice and it is simply irresistible when served alongside grilled chicken or fish.

I start with 1 cup long grain white rice and fry it in 2 tablespoons vegetable oil along with a small finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Then I stir in a half cup of tomato sauce and a can of diced tomatoes with juices to give it that rich color and flavor.

Once I mix in 2 cups of chicken broth and a half teaspoon of ground cumin, all of the natural flavors start to blend together wonderfully. I season with salt and black pepper to taste.

It’s a great dish for a party or just a healthy, gluten free side dish that everyone will enjoy even if you can’t stand overly complicated recipes.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it’s simple to put together and the flavors just come together so nicely. When I toast the rice in the oil, it gets that light golden color which makes everything taste richer. I also love that it goes with almost anything, like grilled chicken or fish, so I never get bored with it. Another thing is that I can change the salt or spices as it cooks, which lets me customize it the way I like. Lastly, the smell that fills my kitchen while it simmers reminds me of home and really brings back good memories.

Ingredients

• Long grain white rice: Provides abundant carbohydrates for energy and has a fluffy texture that forms the dish base.
• Vegetable oil: Adds richness and helps saute vegetables, contributing to a smooth, mellow flavor.
• Tomato sauce: Infuses a mild tang with natural sweetness while keeping the dish vibrant and balanced.
• Diced tomatoes: Offers bright acidity, vitamins and extra moisture which compliments the rice perfectly.
• Chicken broth: Delivers savory depth and subtle umami to unify and enrich the overall flavor.
• Onion & garlic: Provide an aromatic base, adding depth and essential flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. In a medium pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the rice and let it toast for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often till it gets a light golden color.

2. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them for another 2 minutes untill they start to soften.

3. Pour in the tomato sauce and the diced tomatoes along with their juices. Give it a good stir so all the flavors mix together.

4. Add the chicken broth into the pot along with the ground cumin. Stir in a pinch of salt and some black pepper to taste.

5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low so it simmers.

6. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

7. Check the rice around the 18th minute to see if more salt or pepper is needed, stirring it gently not to break up the rice.

8. Once done, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for an extra 5 minutes so the flavors can settle.

9. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve it hot as a side dish with your favourite grilled chicken or fish. Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium pot with a lid
2. Stovetop or burner
3. Stirring spoon
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Knife and cutting board
6. Can opener
7. Fork for fluffing the rice

FAQ

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

• For the rice, you can swap long grain white rice with basmati or jasmine rice, though the texture and cooking times might change a bit.
• If you dont have vegetable oil, try using olive oil or canola oil which works just fine and gives a slightly different flavor.
• If you’re out of tomato sauce, you can blend your diced tomatoes to make a smoother consistency or even use crushed tomatoes.
• Instead of chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water mixed with a bouillon cube can be used for a different twist.
• If you dont have ground cumin, a mix of chili powder with a pinch of coriander can be a decent substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Toasting the rice until it’s a light golden color brings out a nutty flavor, so dont rush that step even if you’re in a hurry.
2. When you add the tomatoes, keep stirring the mix because sometimes the chunks can stick to the pot and burn, ruining the taste.
3. Tasting and adjusting the salt and pepper about 2 minutes before the end of the simmer time is really important coz the flavors might change a bit as the liquid reduces.
4. After turning off the heat, leave it covered for a few minutes before fluffing the rice; this extra resting time helps the rice absorb the flavors better.