Super Easy Spanish Rice

Transform your dinner routine with this vibrant and flavorful Super Easy Spanish Rice recipe, a quick and satisfying side dish that's ready in just 30 minutes! Perfectly seasoned with aromatic cumin, chili powder, and fresh garlic, this one-pot wonder combines tender long-grain white rice with rich tomato sauce and savory broth to create a dish that's brimming with bold, comforting flavors. Toasting the rice ensures a fluffy, golden texture, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of freshness to every bite. Whether served alongside tacos, grilled chicken, or stuffed peppers, this crowd-pleaser is an effortless way to elevate your meals. With minimal prep, straightforward steps, and classic Spanish-inspired seasoning, this simple recipe is destined to become a family favorite that fits right into busy weeknights!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 0.5 yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from clumping together later.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and slightly translucent.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Add the rinsed rice to the pan and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns a light golden brown.

Step 6

Pour in the tomato sauce and broth, then stir to combine.

Step 7

Add the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, then serve warm as a side dish or base for your favorite meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(462.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	556.8

Total Fat 30.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2643.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 63.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.7g	0%
Total Sugars 4.6g
Protein 7.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 38.6mg	0%
Iron 2.7mg	0%
Potassium 72.4mg	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: 49.1%

Protein: 5.2%

Carbs: 45.8%