Description
This easy Spanish rice is a quick dinner side that turns simple pantry staples into a flavorful, fluffy, and satisfying dish. It is one of my favorite easy recipe ideas for busy weeknights, family dinners, and meal prep because it pairs beautifully with tacos, chicken, and so many other food ideas.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
8 ounces tomato sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, then cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the long-grain white rice and stir for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth.
6. Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
7. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
9. Remove from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
10. Fluff with a fork, stir in the chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Do not skip toasting the rice before adding the liquid, because that small step helps the grains stay fluffy instead of turning mushy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy Spanish rice, quick dinner side, easy recipe, dinner ideas, food ideas, rice side dish, weeknight recipe