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Best Spanish Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 143 reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make Spanish Rice recipe featuring a blend of spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tender long-grain white rice cooked on the stovetop to perfect, fluffy consistency.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice
  • ½ cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 14.5 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes, not drained
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin

Instructions

  1. Heat fats: In a large pan or skillet with a lid, melt the butter together with olive oil over medium heat to create a flavorful base.
  2. Sauté rice and vegetables: Add the long-grain white rice, finely chopped onion, and diced bell pepper to the pan. Cook over medium to medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the rice turns golden brown and the vegetables become tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute to release its aroma without burning.
  4. Add liquids and spices: Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pan with its lid. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
  6. Rest: Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish steaming and improves texture.
  7. Fluff and serve: Use a fork to fluff the rice gently before serving to separate the grains and enhance the dish’s appearance and texture.

Notes

  • Using fire-roasted diced tomatoes adds a smoky depth to the rice.
  • Stir the rice frequently during the browning step to prevent burning and achieve even toasting.
  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
  • Letting the rice rest covered is crucial for achieving fluffy, non-sticky rice.

Keywords: Spanish Rice, Fire-Roasted Tomatoes, Side Dish, Long-Grain Rice, Mexican Inspired

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/best-spanish-rice-recipe/