Description
This vibrant and flavorful Spanish Rice recipe combines aromatic spices, tender long-grain rice, and savory tomatoes to create a delicious side dish or base for your meal. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop, this dish is easy to prepare in just 40 minutes and serves four people. Its perfect balance of spices like chili powder and cumin make it a delightful accompaniment to a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Broth
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Vegetables
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Toast the rice: Stir in the 2 cups of long-grain rice, allowing it to cook and lightly toast for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add liquids and spices: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices, the 2 cups of vegetable broth, then season with 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and salt to taste. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer the rice: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender.
- Final fluff and serve: Remove the pot from heat and fluff the rice gently using a fork to separate the grains before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño along with the spices.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version.
- Make sure to keep the heat low during simmering to avoid burning the rice at the bottom.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with beans, grilled vegetables, or your favorite protein for a complete meal.
