Description
Homemade Spanish Rice is a flavorful and comforting side dish made with fluffy long-grain rice, rich tomato sauce, savory spices, and aromatic vegetables. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, meal prep, and Mexican-inspired meals. Whether you need a quick dinner side dish, easy food ideas for gatherings, or a simple homemade recipe that pairs with tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, or burrito bowls, this Homemade Spanish Rice delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The rice is lightly toasted before simmering in seasoned broth and tomatoes, creating a delicious restaurant-style texture with rich savory flavor in every bite. This versatile dish can also be customized with vegetables, beans, or proteins to turn it into a satisfying one-pan meal.
Ingredients
2 cups long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup corn kernels
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1/2 lime, juiced
Instructions
1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs mostly clear, then drain well.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the rice and toast for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly golden.
6. Mix in diced tomatoes and tomato paste until evenly combined.
7. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
8. Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently.
9. Add corn and diced bell peppers if using.
10. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
11. Reduce heat to low and cover tightly with a lid.
12. Cook undisturbed for 18 to 22 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
13. Remove from heat and let the rice rest covered for 5 to 10 minutes.
14. Fluff gently with a fork and stir in cilantro and lime juice before serving.
Notes
Toast the rice before adding liquid to develop deeper flavor and improve the texture of the finished dish.
Avoid lifting the lid during cooking because trapped steam is necessary for fluffy rice.
Let the rice rest after cooking for several minutes before fluffing to prevent mushy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg