The Best Damn Spanish Rice You'll Ever Make

Wanna learn my easy spanish rice recipe for fluffy Arroz Rojo? Ditch the soggy stuff! This flavor-packed side dish is a total game-changer. Get the secrets now!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Craving something warm and comforting? This spanish rice recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Oh my gosh, the tomato-infused flavor will have you hooked.

Brief Overview

Spanish Rice, also known as Arroz Rojo, is a Mexican cuisine staple. It's seriously easy, only taking about 35 minutes. This recipe yields 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

This spanish rice recipe is packed with flavor and makes the perfect side dish. it's great for a fiesta, or, honestly, any night of the week.

What makes it so special? that hint of cumin!

Ready to whip up something amazing? This spanish rice recipe starts with a few simple steps. First, you'll need some key ingredients. Grab that rice, onion, garlic, and those all-important diced tomatoes.

Get Your Ingredients Ready for Amazing Spanish Rice!

Alright, let's get cooking! first up, you'll need 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. then get 1 cup of long-grain white rice.

Grab 1/2 a medium onion and chop it up finely. we also need 2 cloves of minced garlic. don't forget a 14.

5 ounce can of diced tomatoes.

After that get 2 cups of chicken broth. add 1 teaspoon of chili powder. then you'll need 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

Finally, grab 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for garnish. let's get cooking!

From Humble Ingredients to Flavorful Fiesta!

This recipe is a total breeze. seriously, even if you only have a skillet you can create italian vinaigrette . get ready to turn those simple ingredients into something magical.

I also use it often as a base when making italian vinegrette recipes . just remember to rinse the rice first.

And speaking of making things magical, have you ever tried using an easy italian dressing on a salad? it seriously elevates it.

You know? like, takes it from "meh" to "omg". i had a similar moment when i first made this spanish rice recipe .

Oh, and if you want to get creative try some of those italian dressing recipes with this spanish rice recipe .

My neighbor and i were just talking about trying to recreate the olive garden dressing at home. it sounds yummy.

Level Up Your Weeknight Meals!

It is an amazing and easy side. Remember to not peek at the rice while it is simmering. It is worth it. This spanish rice recipe is a total winner.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up some amazing Spanish rice recipe . Seriously, this is gonna be a game-changer. Trust me on this!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started

First, let's gather our supplies. Oh my gosh, it's like a treasure hunt in your pantry!

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Here's what you'll need, all measured out for perfect results:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (that's 30ml for you metric folks). Good quality oil is nice, but honestly, any will do.
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed (about 180g ). Rinsing is key people! Gets rid of excess starch.
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped (around 75g ). Sweet onion gives the dish a wonderful dimension.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 6g ). Fresh is always best, ya know?
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (that's 411g ). Don't drain them; that juice is flavor gold.
• 2 cups chicken broth ( 473ml ). Low sodium gives you control over the salt.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder ( 2g ). Adds a little kick.
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin ( 1g ). Gives it that authentic flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste ( 1g ). Taste as you go!
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional, but do it!) ( 5g ).

Seasoning Notes: Spice it Right

Essential spice combo? chili powder and cumin, hands down. they're besties in spanish rice recipe . for a flavor boost, throw in a pinch of smoked paprika.

Oh mama. don’t forget the salt though, you know?

Running low on chili powder? A mix of paprika, cumin, and a tiny bit of cayenne can work in a pinch. Honestly, though, just get some chili powder.

If you're feeling adventurous, try some of these Italian Vinegrette Recipes , or maybe even the Best Homemade Italian Dressing , Easy Italian Dressing , Italian Dressing Recipe , Italian Vinaigrette , Olive Garden Dressing , Italian Dressing Recipes , Homemade Dressings , Homemade Italian Dressing !

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• Medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. This is crucial. Tight-fitting is essential.
• Measuring cups and spoons. 'Cause eyeballing it sometimes just doesn't cut it.
• Knife and cutting board. Safety first, friends!

Don't have a fancy saucepan? A regular pot with a lid will work just fine. Just make sure it seals well. Let's do this!

Alright, let's get real about spanish rice recipe . honestly, i've messed this up so many times. sticky rice? been there.

Burnt rice? done that. but trust me, this recipe? it's the one.

Cooking Method: Spanish Rice Done Right

This isn’t your grandma’s boring side dish. this is arroz rojo that'll make you want to dance. i'm talking perfectly fluffy, flavorful rice, ready to be devoured.

Think of it as a building block for the perfect burrito bowl. a good spanish rice recipe is a must!

Prep Steps: Get Your Stuff Together

Essential mise en place: first things first, let's get organized. chop 1/2 medium onion , mince 2 cloves of garlic .

Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice . open that 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes . measure out 2 cups of chicken broth , 1 teaspoon of chili powder , 1/2 teaspoon of cumin , and 1/4 teaspoon of salt .

Boom . you're ready.

Time-Saving Organization Tips: Honestly, chopping everything beforehand makes a huge difference. Do it while the pan heats up. It's like, culinary meditation.

Safety Reminders: Just don't burn yourself, okay? Hot oil is hot. Duh.

Step-by-Step Process: Let's Cook!

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the rinsed 1 cup of rice and sauté until lightly golden brown. You'll know it's ready when it smells toasty, like popcorn.
3. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3- 5 minutes . The onion should look translucent and the garlic, fragrant.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chili powder , cumin , and salt . Simmer.
5. Pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth . Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes , or until the liquid is absorbed. No peeking!
6. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5- 10 minutes . Patience, grasshopper!
7. Fluff with a fork. Garnish with cilantro if you're feeling fancy. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Rice Game

• Toasting the rice makes all the difference! Don't skip that step.
• The most common mistake? Lifting the lid. Don't do it! Steam is key.
• Make it ahead of time! This keeps great in the fridge for a few days.

Speaking of great, a lot of people like to pair some good rice with a homemade italian dressing and salad.

I personally like to use a best homemade italian dressing made from scratch. italian dressing recipes are so good on fresh greens! i really enjoy easy italian dressing because sometimes i don’t want to mess with making a more advanced dressing.

If you’ve never tried it before, it's worth a try italian vinaigrette or even the olive garden dressing . there are so many italian vinegrette recipes to find the perfect one!

Alright, I gotta go. Hope this helps you make some killer rice! Enjoy!

Alright, so you've got your spanish rice recipe down. That's awesome! But before you start scooping it into your face (totally understandable, BTW), let's chat about some extras.

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Rice Game

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key (Sort Of)

Honestly, this spanish rice recipe is great on its own. but a little somethin' somethin' never hurt nobody, right? plating-wise, think vibrant.

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro? gorgeous. a dollop of sour cream? chef's kiss .

Complementary sides? oh my gosh, where do i even start? grilled chicken or steak is classic. fish tacos would be amazing.

And for drinks? a crisp mexican beer or even just some good ol' iced tea. easy peasy!

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store that spanish rice recipe magic in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3-4 days.

Freezing is totally an option too. just let it cool completely first. thaw it in the fridge overnight. reheating? microwave is your friend.

Or, you know, you can sauté it in a pan with a little oil for extra flavor!

Variations: Mix It Up, Buttercup!

Want to change things up? Easy! For a dietary adaptation, use brown rice for a nuttier flavor. Honestly, it works great!

Seasonal ingredient swaps? Sure! In the fall, try adding some roasted butternut squash. I also love to change up the herbs. If you’re feeling adventurous use a Italian Vinaigrette .

Homemade dressings are definitely the way to go. Have you ever tried creating your own Italian Dressing Recipe ?

You could even whip up a batch of easy italian dressing or homemade italian dressing , maybe using a little bit of olive garden dressing as inspiration.

Why not experiment with different italian dressing recipes and find the perfect combination of herbs and spices?

A good Italian Vinaigrette can really elevate any dish. If you like a slightly lighter option, there are plenty of Italian Vinegrette Recipes out there.

And in the summer, a squeeze of lime and some fresh corn kernels would be divine. oh, and don't forget about adding a dash of hot sauce for those who like a kick.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Grain

Okay, so i'm no nutritionist. but let's break down the spanish rice recipe a bit. you're getting some carbs for energy, protein from the broth, and vitamins from the veggies.

Not bad, right? the key health benefit? it's delicious comfort food that's relatively easy to make. it's basically sunshine in a bowl!

Honestly, this spanish rice recipe is a winner. It's simple, flavorful, and versatile. So, go forth and cook! And don't be afraid to get a little messy. That's half the fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to making perfect, non-sticky Spanish rice recipe?

Ah, the million-dollar question! The key is rinsing the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. Then, toasting the rice in oil before adding the liquid gives it a nutty flavor and helps prevent stickiness. Think of it as giving your rice a little suntan before its swim!

Can I make this Spanish rice recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You won't miss a thing! This recipe is super flexible, making it a great option for everyone, from meat-eaters to plant-based pioneers.

How long does Spanish rice last, and what's the best way to store it?

Properly stored Spanish rice will last for 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, otherwise, it might end up drier than a vicar's sense of humour!

What variations can I try to spice up my Spanish rice?

Fancy giving your Spanish rice a bit of a 'kick'? You could add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for heat. Or stir in some peas and carrots for extra veggies – think of it as a culinary adventure, a bit like Indiana Jones but with rice!

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this spanish rice recipe? Will I need to adjust the cooking time or liquid?

You certainly can use brown rice, but be prepared to make adjustments! Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. You'll likely need around 2 1/2 to 3 cups of broth and a cooking time of 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and remember, patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to cooking rice!

What are some good side dishes to serve with spanish rice?

Spanish rice is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It's also a fantastic filling for burritos and tacos. Top it with your favorite salsa, sour cream, or guacamole, and you've got a complete and delicious meal fit for a king (or queen!).

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