Mamaw's Spanish Rice

Transport your taste buds to the heart of comfort food with Mamaw's Spanish Rice, a one-pot classic bursting with bold, savory flavors. This easy-to-make recipe combines fluffy long-grain white rice lightly toasted in olive oil with a hearty mix of sautéed onions, green bell peppers, and garlic. A flavorful base of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth infuses the dish with rich, tangy depth, while spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika offer a warm, smoky kick. Optional frozen peas and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro add vibrant color and a touch of freshness to this versatile dish. Ready in just 40 minutes, Mamaw's Spanish Rice is the perfect companion to tacos, grilled meats, or can stand alone as a satisfying meal. Ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a comforting culinary masterpiece that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, with juices
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then let it drain completely.

Step 2

In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Add the rinsed and drained rice to the skillet. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast in the oil.

Step 6

Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Season the mixture with chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid while cooking.

Step 9

If desired, stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat them through.

Step 10

Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Step 11

Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving, if desired. Enjoy Mamaw's Spanish Rice warm as a side dish or a standalone meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1696.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	876.2

Total Fat 34.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3879.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 119.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.8g	0%
Total Sugars 31.6g
Protein 25.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 225.7mg	0%
Iron 10.1mg	0%
Potassium 1975.4mg	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: 35.0%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 53.5%