The Ultimate Tomato Garlic Spanish Rice
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to add a touch of sunshine to your plate? The Best Spanish Rice with tomato and garlic is your answer.
It's a flavour explosion that will transport you straight to a sunny Spanish courtyard, complete with a gentle breeze and maybe a cheeky glass of sangria!
Brief Overview
Authentic Spanish Rice originated in Spain. It evolved over centuries with native ingredients. This tomato rice recipe is easy. It takes about 40 minutes.
It yields 6 servings. Making it perfect for family dinners.
Main Benefits
Spanish Rice is more than just a side dish. It can give you energy as it has carbs. Serve it at your next barbecue or fiesta.
This recipe is special because it's packed with fresh flavours and is super versatile. Honestly, you can pair it with almost anything!
Ready to Fiesta? Let's Talk Ingredients
Fancy a bit of va-va-voom with your Side Dishes ? We all want to know what makes Homemade Spanish Rice so irresistible, right? It all starts with the ingredients, my friend! And, before you start cooking, remember what Julia Child said: "You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces - just good food from fresh ingredients.
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Let’s start with our aromatics. We want the flavours of Garlic and onion to dance on your taste buds so we will use a bit of olive oil, onion and Garlic .
Then the rice and tomato. Remember to rinse your long grain rice to remove the starch!
Lastly, spice and seasoning! It's always good to keep some ground cumin, paprika, salt and pepper in your drawer. And don't forget some cilantro and lime to top it off!
Next up, equipment time!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Spanish Rice with Tomato and Garlic
Okay, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing Spanish Rice . Seriously, this easy Spanish rice recipe is all about simple ingredients.
The key is using the right ones, you know? Think quality over quantity.
Main Ingredients for Authentic Spanish Rice
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Nothing fancy, just a decent olive oil.
- Yellow Onion: 1 small , finely chopped (about ½ cup or 75g).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (around 1 tablespoon or 6g). Fresh garlic is a MUST for the best flavor.
- Long Grain White Rice: 1 cup , rinsed (200g). Rinsing gets rid of extra starch, and that means fluffier rice, trust me.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can , undrained (411g). I always go for good quality diced tomatoes.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups (473 ml). Low sodium is best so you can control the salt.
- Tomato Paste: 1 teaspoon (6g). This adds a boost of tomato flavor.
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon (2g). Cumin is essential!
- Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon (1g). Adds such a nice smoky depth to the flavors.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon , or to taste.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon , or to taste.
- Fresh Cilantro: 2 tablespoons , chopped (10g). (Optional).
- Lime Wedges: For serving. (Optional, but highly recommended!).
Seasoning Notes for a Flavor Fiesta
For this homemade Spanish rice , the right seasoning combo is key. Cumin and smoked paprika are non-negotiable. They really bring out that authentic flavour.
Seriously. They're the stars of the show here! Plus, a bit of tomato paste intensifies that tomato-y goodness, making this rice with tomatoes and garlic extra special.
If you're missing smoked paprika, regular paprika will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed for Quick Spanish Rice
Honestly, you don’t need much for this tomato rice recipe .
- Medium sized saucepan with a tight fitting lid. This is crucial! You want to trap all that steam.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.
- Cutting board and knife. For chopping those veggies.
No fancy gadgets needed here! A trusty saucepan and your basic kitchen tools are all you need to get started making some Mexican rice .
Now that you have the ingredient and equipment, you are ready to make The Best Spanish Rice with Tomato and Garlic!
Cooking Method: Simmering the Perfect Spanish Rice
So, you want to learn how to make The Best Spanish Rice with all the authentic flavor? Honestly, it's easier than you think.
It's not about being a chef; it's about understanding a few key principles, like simmering. We are doing a simmer, that's the cooking method of choice for this Rice recipe.
Simmering might seem simple, but it's the secret to that fluffy, flavorful Easy Spanish rice . It's like giving your rice a gentle, warm bath in deliciousness.
Remember that time I tried to rush things? The rice was crunchy on the bottom and mushy on top. Lesson learned!
Prep Steps to Rice Perfection
Essential mise en place is your best friend. Chop that onion and mince the garlic. Rinsing the rice removes starch, preventing stickiness. It's all about setting yourself up for success.
For time saving tips , measure out all your spices beforehand. Trust me, you don't want to be fumbling with cumin while your garlic burns.
Safety? Just don't splash hot oil on yourself. Ouch!
step-by-step Simmering Process
- Sauté your onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Toast the rice in the pan for a couple of minutes. This gives it a nutty flavour.
- Add your diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil. Then immediately reduce the heat to low.
- Cover tightly and simmer for 20- 25 minutes , until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
You'll know it's done when the liquid is gone, and the rice is soft to the touch. A critical temperature point would be between 180- 200° F , although you won't need a thermometer if you follow the simmer guidelines.
Pro Tips for Spanish Rice Nirvana
A pro tip is to never stir while it simmers. Stirring releases starch and makes your Spanish rice sticky.
A common mistake is cooking it too hot. Low and slow is the key. Avoid lifting the lid while simmering! All the steam escapes.
Homemade Spanish rice can be made ahead of time. Just reheat it with a splash of broth. Perfect for meal prep!
So there you have it! Authentic Spanish rice made easy. Serve it with grilled chicken, tacos, or just eat it straight from the pot.
Don't forget a squeeze of lime for that extra zing. This Rice with tomatoes and garlic will become your go-to Side Dishes recipe.
Recipe Notes For The Best Spanish Rice with Tomato and Garlic
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe for The Best Spanish Rice with tomato and garlic, right? Awesome! But before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about some crucial bits and bobs that’ll help you nail it.
Honestly, these are the things I wish I knew before my first attempt. Trust me, it'll save you some potential kitchen chaos!
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Presentation is key, you know? For plating, I reckon a simple mound of Spanish Rice looks fab. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime.
A squeeze of lime really brightens it up! It's also amazing as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish.
Try serving it with black beans or alongside some homemade tacos. You could also pair this tomato rice recipe with a crisp salad.
A chilled glass of agua fresca goes down a treat, too!
Storing and Reheating: Storage Tips
Right, so leftovers. If you’re lucky enough to have any, this easy Spanish Rice keeps well. Pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.
It’ll be good for about 3-4 days. For reheating, I prefer the microwave (quick and easy!). Add a splash of water to keep it moist.
You can freeze it too! Just let it cool completely before freezing. When reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Then microwave or heat it in a pan with a little water. Don't overcook it, mind!
Tweak It Your Way: Variations
Fancy mixing things up? Go for it! For a veggie version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Boom! Vegetarian Authentic Spanish Rice .
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño. Feel like getting seasonal? Use fresh, ripe tomatoes in the summer instead of canned.
You can also experiment with different types of Rice , like brown rice for a nuttier flavor. Just remember brown rice needs a longer cooking time!
Nutrition Breakdown: Nutrition Basics
Right, let's talk nutrients. This Homemade Spanish Rice is a decent source of carbs for energy, plus a bit of protein.
Tomatoes are packed with vitamins, which is always a bonus. Each serving is about 180 calories. This will also contain about 5g of protein and 3g of fat.
Remember, this is just an estimate. Actual values will vary depending on your ingredients!
So there you have it! Rice with tomatoes and garlic is simple. Some tips and tricks to make your Mexican Rice even better. Go forth, cook, and enjoy! You've totally got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Spanish rice mushy? What went wrong?
Mushy Spanish rice is usually down to a couple of things. First, you might have used too much liquid. Make sure to measure accurately! Second, resist the urge to stir it while it's simmering stirring releases starch which leads to a sticky, mushy result. Just let it do its thing!
Can I make The Best Spanish Rice with brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. You'll likely need to add about ¾ cup more broth and increase the simmering time to around 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it and add more broth if it seems dry before the rice is tender.
It’s a bit like waiting for the kettle to boil patience is key!
How can I add more flavor to this Spanish rice recipe?
There are lots of ways to amp up the flavor! Try adding a pinch of saffron threads to the broth for a more authentic Spanish taste, or a bay leaf during simmering. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end really brightens it up, too. Think of it as adding a splash of colour to a grey day!
What's the best way to store leftover Spanish rice? How long will it last?
Let the rice cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. It’s like giving it a little spa treatment before its encore!
Is "The Best Spanish Rice with" Tomato and Garlic recipe healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
This Spanish rice recipe offers a good source of carbohydrates for energy, along with some vitamins and minerals from the tomatoes and garlic. Using low-sodium chicken broth helps keep the salt content in check.
To make it even healthier, you could use whole grain brown rice and add some extra vegetables like bell peppers or peas. Every little bit helps, right?
My rice is sticking to the bottom of the pan! What am I doing wrong?
That usually means the heat is too high. Make sure you reduce the heat to low immediately after the mixture comes to a boil. Also, ensure your saucepan has a heavy bottom to distribute heat evenly. A good quality pan is worth its weight in gold for preventing this! Finally, remember no peeking!
Keeping the lid on tightly helps regulate the heat and moisture.
The Ultimate Tomato Garlic Spanish Rice
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 180 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 32g |
