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Classic Spanish Rice Side

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This classic Spanish rice combines toasted long-grain rice with vegetables, tomatoes, and spices for an authentic side dish. The rice is golden-browned before simmering in seasoned broth.
Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:29:02 GMT
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A close-up of a bowl of colorful, seasoned rice mixed with tomatoes and herbs, with a spoon prominently lifting some from the bowl. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl of colorful, seasoned rice mixed with tomatoes and herbs, with a spoon prominently lifting some from the bowl. | recipesim.com

My Classic Spanish Rice

My journey with Spanish rice started when I wanted the perfect side dish for taco night. The key is toasting the rice until golden it adds this amazing nutty flavor that makes all the difference. Now it's become our family's favorite side dish and even the pickiest eaters ask for seconds.

What Makes This Rice Special

The magic happens when that toasted rice meets fire roasted tomatoes and those warming spices. It's quick enough for weeknights but good enough for company. My neighbors always ask what makes it so flavorful the secret is taking time to toast the rice first.

What You'll Need

  • Butter and oil: Work together for perfect toasting.
  • Long grain rice: Gets perfectly fluffy never sticky.
  • Fresh veggies: Onions and peppers add great flavor.
  • Fresh garlic: Mince it right before cooking.
  • Tomatoes: Fire roasted give the best flavor.
  • Broth: I use chicken but vegetable works too.
  • Spice blend: My own mix of warming spices.
A close-up of a fork lifting flavorful, seasoned rice mixed with tomatoes and herbs from a black bowl. Pin it
A close-up of a fork lifting flavorful, seasoned rice mixed with tomatoes and herbs from a black bowl. | recipesim.com

Let's Cook Together

Get That Golden Color
Toast the rice with veggies until it smells nutty and looks golden.
Build the Flavors
Add garlic and those tomatoes they make everything so rich.
Time to Simmer
Let it cook covered until all the liquid is absorbed.
Perfect Finish
Don't skip that resting time it makes the rice extra fluffy.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I add ground beef and beans for a complete meal. Sweet corn adds such nice pops of flavor. When I have vegetarian friends over I use veggie broth it's just as delicious. The possibilities are endless with this recipe.

My Best Tips

Don't rush the toasting step it's worth the extra time. Good broth makes all the difference in flavor. Those sautéed vegetables create such a good base let them get tender. Always let it rest covered after cooking.

A close-up of a bowl of flavorful rice mixed with diced tomatoes and garnished with fresh herbs. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl of flavorful rice mixed with diced tomatoes and garnished with fresh herbs. | recipesim.com

Keeping It Fresh

This rice stays good in the fridge for about 4 days. I often freeze portions for busy nights just add a splash of water when reheating. It's perfect with tacos enchiladas or even just grilled chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the difference between Spanish and Mexican rice?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to a red rice dish made by toasting rice with vegetables and cooking in tomato-seasoned broth.
→ Why do you toast the rice first?
Toasting the rice until golden brown adds nutty flavor and helps the grains stay separate rather than sticky when cooked.
→ Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, after toasting the rice and vegetables, transfer to a slow cooker and cook on high for 2½ to 3 hours until liquid is absorbed.
→ Why let the rice rest after cooking?
Letting the rice rest for 5-10 minutes allows the moisture to distribute evenly and makes the rice fluffier when served.
→ Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but you'll need to increase the cooking time and liquid amount since brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.

Conclusion

This classic Spanish rice combines toasted long-grain rice with vegetables, tomatoes, and spices for an authentic side dish. The rice is golden-browned before simmering in seasoned broth.

Best Spanish Rice Recipe

A hearty Spanish rice made with toasted rice, vegetables, tomatoes and authentic seasonings. Perfect as a side dish for any Mexican meal.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 8 Servings (1 large pan)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 3 tablespoons butter.
02 1 tablespoon olive oil.
03 1½ cups long-grain white rice.
04 ½ cup onion, finely chopped.
05 1 bell pepper, finely diced.
06 2 teaspoons minced garlic.
07 14.5 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes, not drained.
08 8 ounces tomato sauce.
09 2 cups chicken broth.
10 1 teaspoon salt.
11 ½ teaspoon pepper.
12 1 teaspoon chili powder.
13 1 teaspoon paprika.
14 1 teaspoon cumin.

Instructions

Step 01

In a large pan with lid, melt butter with olive oil.

Step 02

Add rice, onion and bell pepper and cook over medium to medium-high heat until rice is golden brown and vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 03

Add garlic and stir, cooking for about 1 minute.

Step 04

Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika and cumin. Stir well.

Step 05

Bring to boil, cover, reduce heat to simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 06

Let rice sit covered for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Step 07

Fluff rice before serving.

Notes

  1. Spanish rice and Mexican rice are essentially the same dish.
  2. Stir frequently to prevent rice from burning.
  3. Can be made in slow cooker on high for 2½-3 hours after toasting rice.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pan with lid.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 212
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 34 g
  • Protein: 4 g