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Easy, Authentic Spanish Rice Recipe (Quick Side Dish)

Close-up of a white bowl filled with vibrant orange Spanish rice, garnished generously with fresh chopped cilantro.
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Make this easy Spanish rice recipe for an authentic Mexican side dish. Toasting the rice creates fluffy, distinct grains full of tomato and cumin flavor. Ready fast for your weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan or pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the long-grain rice to the pot. Stir constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the rice turns a light golden brown color. This step helps create fluffy rice.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  7. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid. Do not stir during simmering.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the grains.
  9. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use long-grain white rice. Do not rinse the rice before toasting; the starch helps prevent mushiness.
  • If you want a richer flavor, substitute half the broth with water and add one chicken bouillon cube.
  • This rice pairs perfectly as a side dish for tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/easy-authentic-spanish-rice-recipe/