Description
This Homemade Spanish Rice recipe is a flavorful and aromatic side dish made with long-grain white rice, sautéed vegetables, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. Cooked slowly on the stovetop until tender and fluffy, this vibrant rice pairs perfectly with Mexican meals, adding a delicious pop of color and taste to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (like Jasmine rice or basmati rice)
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup yellow onion (or white onion, diced)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Tomato and Spices
- 8-ounce tomato sauce
- 14-ounce can crushed tomato (not drained)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Liquid & Garnish
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large pan or skillet with a lid, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat to start preparing the rice base.
- Sauté Vegetables and Rice: Add 1/2 cup diced onion, 1/2 diced red bell pepper, and 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice to the pan. Sauté on medium heat, stirring regularly, until the rice begins to turn golden brown, ensuring the rice and vegetables do not burn.
- Add Garlic: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for a few seconds to release their aroma without burning.
- Combine Tomatoes and Spices: Add 8 ounces of tomato sauce, 14 ounces of crushed tomatoes (with juice), 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Add Broth and Stir: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and stir all ingredients together until evenly combined.
- Simmer Covered: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce heat to low and cook for 20-23 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Let Rest: Remove the skillet from heat and let the rice rest undisturbed with the lid on for 10 minutes to finish steaming and set.
- Fluff Rice: Gently fluff the rice using a fork or silicone spatula to separate the grains and release steam.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves over the rice before serving. Serve alongside your favorite Mexican dishes for a perfect complement.
Notes
- Using long-grain rice like Jasmine or basmati helps keep the rice fluffy and separated instead of sticky.
- Keep stirring the rice while browning to avoid burning and uneven cooking.
- Resting the rice after cooking lets the moisture redistribute for better texture.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- You can adjust the heat level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Spanish rice, Mexican rice, homemade Spanish rice, savory rice side, easy rice recipe, stovetop rice dish
