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A spoonful of authentic Mexican rice being lifted from a skillet, showing its fluffy texture and rich red color.

Spanish Rice Recipe: Authentic Flavor in One Pot

This easy, one-pot Spanish Rice Recipe delivers fluffy, flavorful, restaurant-quality rice every time. A perfect, authentic side dish for any meal, made with simple ingredients like tomato, cumin, and long-grain rice. Get ready for your new favorite recipe!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican, Spanish
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup Yellow Onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/4 tsp Chili Powder optional, for a little extra flavor
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet with Lid
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet or pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed and drained rice. Cook, stirring frequently for about 3-5 minutes, until the rice is lightly golden and has a nutty aroma.
  2. Add the finely chopped yellow onion to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Add the ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine everything. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during the cooking process.
  5. After 20 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it stand, still covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the residual steam to finish cooking the rice perfectly. Remove the lid and use a fork to gently fluff the rice. Serve warm.

Notes

For Extra Flavor: Toast 1/2 cup of vermicelli pasta with the rice for a more traditional texture.
Make it Spicy: Add a finely chopped jalapeño along with the onion for a spicy kick.
Veggie-Packed: Stir in a cup of frozen peas and carrots during the last 5 minutes of simmering.