Delicious Spanish Rice: Fluffy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make

This Easy Spanish Rice is fluffy, flavorful, and made with pantry staples, perfect for any meal.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Resting Time 5

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Spanish

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Rice

1 cup Long Grain White Rice Provides a light and fluffy texture ideal for absorbing broth; do not substitute with brown rice without adjusting liquid.
2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds richness and helps toast the rice evenly; you can substitute with vegetable oil if desired.
1 tablespoon Butter Contributes a creamy texture and extra flavor; can be omitted for a dairy-free version.

For the Flavor

1 cup Chicken Broth Deepens flavor beyond plain water; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative.
1 cup Tomato Sauce Gives rice its characteristic color and flavor; feel free to use tomato puree in place of sauce.
1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adds warmth and mild spice; adjust the quantity for personal taste.
1 teaspoon Cumin Provides the earthy flavor expected in Spanish rice; don’t skip this for an authentic taste.
1 teaspoon Garlic Salt Delivers depth and a subtle garlic taste; regular salt can be substituted but adds a different flavor note.
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Complements the spices with a light herb note; consider using fresh oregano if available.

Optional Add-ins

1 cup Fresh Tomatoes Optional for added texture and freshness; use canned diced tomatoes if fresh are out of season.

Equipment

Medium saucepan

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and the mixture to bubble softly.
Add 1 cup of long-grain white rice to the saucepan. Stir frequently for about 2-3 minutes, watching for a light golden color on the rice grains.
Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of tomato sauce into the toasted rice. Add 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, and dried oregano, stirring everything thoroughly.
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the lid to check your Spanish Rice. If excess liquid remains or the rice is still firm, cover and let it simmer for an additional 2-4 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. Finally, fluff your Spanish Rice with a fork.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Properly toasting the rice is key to bringing out a nutty flavor. Stick to 1:1 ratio of chicken broth to tomato sauce. Always check rice package for specific liquid measurements and cooking times.

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