Low Sodium Spicy Rice

Transform weeknight dinners with this flavorful and heart-healthy Low Sodium Spicy Rice, a perfect balance of bold spices and wholesome ingredients. Featuring long-grain rice simmered in low-sodium broth with no-salt-added tomatoes, this dish delivers big flavor without the excess salt. Aromatic cumin, smoked paprika, and a touch of chili powder infuse the rice with smoky, zesty heat, while optional red pepper flakes let you dial up the spice to your liking. Ready in under 40 minutes, this versatile recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or can even stand alone as a satisfying plant-based entrée. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a fresh, vibrant finish. Perfect for fans of healthy, low-sodium meals that don’t skimp on taste!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup canned tomatoes, no salt added
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 2 whole lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes to lightly toast the grains.

Step 5

Pour in the low-sodium broth and canned tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 6

Add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to incorporate the spices evenly.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes (or 40-45 minutes for brown rice) until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through.

Step 8

Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to rest.

Step 9

Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve with lime wedges on the side for a bright, zesty kick.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1194.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	567.4

Total Fat 17.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 337.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 95.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.9g	0%
Total Sugars 12.9g
Protein 12.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 170.6mg	0%
Iron 5.0mg	0%
Potassium 965.0mg	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: 26.1%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 65.4%