Mom's Spanish Rice

Transport your taste buds to the heart of Spanish-inspired comfort food with "Mom's Spanish Rice," a flavorful one-pan dish that's as easy to make as it is satisfying. This recipe begins with perfectly toasted long-grain white rice, infused with the bold flavors of sautéed onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Simmered in a rich blend of tomato sauce and savory chicken broth, and seasoned with aromatic cumin and chili powder, this rice becomes the ideal side dish for tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. Bright pops of green from optional peas and a garnish of fresh cilantro bring a touch of color and freshness to the dish. With just 10 minutes of prep and a hands-off 25-minute cook time, this homemade Spanish rice is a quick and delicious addition to your family's favorite meals. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this recipe delivers authentic, homemade flavor in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

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, diced onion
• 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon pepper
• 0.5 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional) fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear, then set aside to drain.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Add the rice to the skillet and toast it in the oil for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it starts to turn golden.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Add the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 9

Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure even cooking.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Once the rice is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming.

Step 12

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

Step 13

Serve hot as a side dish or as a base for your favorite Mexican-inspired meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1183.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	768.1

Total Fat 33.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2589.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 95.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.4g	0%
Total Sugars 17.5g
Protein 21.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 167.8mg	0%
Iron 7.6mg	0%
Potassium 1026.0mg	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: 39.3%

Protein: 11.0%

Carbs: 49.7%