Kittencal's Spanish Rice

Elevate your side dish game with Kittencal’s Spanish Rice, a vibrant and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. This zesty dish features perfectly toasted long-grain white rice simmered in a rich blend of chicken broth and tomato sauce, infused with bold spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Finely chopped onions and garlic add aromatic depth, while an optional sprinkle of fresh cilantro provides a burst of brightness. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pan wonder is easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with tacos, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. Discover the perfect balance of texture and flavor with this homemade Spanish rice recipe that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4

Add the uncooked rice to the pan and stir to coat it in the oil. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to turn golden.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine.

Step 6

Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid.

Step 8

Let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to ensure even steaming.

Step 9

After cooking, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1085.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	701.8

Total Fat 33.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2656.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 82.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.6g	0%
Total Sugars 11.1g
Protein 16.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 142.0mg	0%
Iron 6.8mg	0%
Potassium 739.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.2%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 47.5%