Description
This delicious Homemade Spanish Rice recipe features perfectly toasted long-grain white rice simmered in a flavorful broth with tomato sauce, garlic, and spices. Topped with fresh cilantro, it’s a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of Mexican and Southwestern meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Cooking Base
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 cube chicken-flavored bouillon
- 4 cups water (or 4 cups lower sodium chicken broth – no bouillon if using broth)
Flavorings and Spices
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Dash garlic pepper
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it is shimmering, indicating it is hot enough to toast the rice properly.
- Toast the Rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the pan. Cook it while stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until the rice turns golden brown. This step enhances the flavor and helps keep the rice from sticking together later.
- Prepare Bouillon Mixture: Place the chicken-flavored bouillon cube and 4 cups of water in a microwave-safe container. Microwave for 3 minutes to dissolve the bouillon cube completely. If you’re using chicken broth instead of water and bouillon, skip this step and use the broth directly.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the prepared bouillon mixture (or chicken broth), tomato sauce, minced garlic, salt, ground cumin, and garlic pepper into the pan with the toasted rice. Stir thoroughly to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Rice: Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cooking is complete when all liquid is absorbed and the rice grains are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork to separate grains. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve warm as a delightful side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use vegetable bouillon or omit bouillon.
- To add extra flavor, consider sautéing finely chopped onions with the garlic before adding rice.
- Cover the pan tightly during simmering to ensure even cooking and prevent moisture loss.
- This rice pairs well with beans, grilled meats, or in burrito bowls.
- If you prefer a spicier rice, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper along with the other spices.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
