Spanish Rice

Transform your dinner table with this flavorful Spanish Rice recipe, a perfect blend of savory ingredients and vibrant spices that transports your taste buds straight to Spain or Mexico. Made with fluffy, toasted long-grain white rice simmered in a rich blend of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and aromatic chicken broth, this dish achieves the ideal balance of bold flavor and comforting warmth. Seasoned with cumin, paprika, and garlic, it offers a delightful kick, while the optional garnish of fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous finish. Quick and easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this versatile side dish pairs beautifully with tacos, enchiladas, roasted chicken, or grilled veggies. Whether you're complementing a fiesta or simply seeking a hearty staple, Spanish Rice is an irresistible addition to your mealtime repertoire.

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
• 1 cup diced tomatoes, canned
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a medium-sized skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to lightly toast the rice. This helps enhance its flavor.

Step 6

Mix in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid or stirring during this time to ensure even cooking.

Step 8

After the rice has absorbed all the liquid, remove the pan from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, still covered.

Step 9

Fluff the rice gently with a fork and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 10

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm as a side dish to complement Mexican or Spanish-style meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1327.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	728.5

Total Fat 33.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4092.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 88.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.4g	0%
Total Sugars 16.0g
Protein 18.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 187.2mg	0%
Iron 8.2mg	0%
Potassium 1153.3mg	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: 41.7%

Protein: 9.8%

Carbs: 48.4%