Add some serious flavor to regular rice by making this delicious Spanish rice. It’s perfectly seasoned, easy to make, and goes with just about anything!
Seasonings like chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, and oregano add layers of flavor to this dish. Serve it as a side to whatever you’re making for dinner tonight!
What is Spanish Rice?
Spanish rice is made with tomato sauce, seasonings, and fresh tomatoes. The tomato sauce gives the rice a gorgeous red color, and spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, and oregano add delicious flavor. You can make Spanish rice your own by adding other ingredients like saffron, frozen peas, or even chopped olives!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- white rice
- olive oil
- unsalted butter
- broth or stock
- tomato sauce
- chili powder
- cumin
- garlic salt
- dried oregano
- diced fresh tomatoes (optional)
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Make Spanish Rice
- In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt together the olive oil and butter. Add the rice and stir to coat. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the rice is toasted.
- Stir in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, oregano, and optional diced tomatoes. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Stir well, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and cook at a gentle simmer for about 20 minutes. If the rice isn’t quite tender or the liquid isn’t absorbed after 20 minutes, replace the lid and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat, leave the lid on, and allow the rice to rest for a few minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
What Is The Difference Between Spanish And Mexican Rice?
Both types of rice are made with tomatoes and onions, and are cooked in chicken broth. The main difference is the spices used. Mexican rice typically includes cumin, and Spanish rice is often made with saffron. The texture of Spanish rice is usually firmer than Mexican rice.
Tips and Tricks
- The amount of liquid in this recipe is only a guideline. Follow the directions on your bag of rice for the best results.
- After toasting the rice, adding the remaining ingredients and bringing the rice to a boil, reduce it to a simmer and continue cooking based on the time listed in the directions of the rice you’re making. Cooking times vary based on different brands of rice.
- If you’re adding additional veggies like diced jalapenos or green chilies, stir them in with the diced tomatoes.
Perfect Spanish Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ cup diced fresh tomatoes optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt together the olive oil and butter. Add the rice and stir to coat. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the rice is toasted.
- Stir in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, oregano, and diced tomatoes (if using). Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Stir well, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and cook at a gentle simmer for 20 minutes (or follow the instructions on the bag of rice). If the rice isn’t quite tender or the liquid isn’t absorbed after 20 minutes, replace the lid and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat, leave the lid on, and allow the rice to rest for a few minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
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