Spanish Rice Recipe
The bold flavors and delightful aroma of Spanish Rice make it an essential side dish for diverse cuisines. Whether it’s paired with a hearty Mexican feast or served as a complement to a casual weeknight dinner, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Its vibrant blend of savory ingredients ensures it stands out on any table.
Ingredients Breakdown
Rinsing basmati rice before cooking is crucial for achieving light, fluffy grains. This simple step removes excess starch, preventing clumping and ensuring a perfect texture. Tomato paste and fresh tomatoes work together to form the dish’s savory foundation, imbuing each grain with a robust and tangy flavor. Jalapeño peppers provide a subtle, warming heat that balances the richness of the tomatoes, while oregano and sea salt offer aromatic and earthy undertones, enhancing the rice’s overall flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Sautéing the Aromatics
Starting with softened onions sets the stage for this dish’s deep flavors. Cooking them until translucent creates a rich, caramelized base that adds depth. Stirring in the garlic and tomato paste at this stage ensures even distribution, preventing any burnt bits that might overpower the dish.
Toasting the Rice
Toasting the rinsed rice is a key step that elevates its flavor. By stirring the rice in olive oil until it releases a nutty aroma, you add an additional layer of complexity to the dish while also helping to seal the grains and prevent mushiness during cooking.
Simmering the Rice
A careful simmer with a tight-fitting lid ensures that the rice absorbs all the flavorful broth while maintaining an even texture. Keeping the heat low and consistent is essential for perfect results, avoiding overcooked or undercooked grains.
Resting and Fluffing
Allowing the rice to rest after cooking might seem unnecessary, but this step is vital for firming up the grains and enhancing the dish’s overall texture. Fluffing with a fork helps separate the grains, resulting in a light and visually appealing presentation.
Recipe Tips
Choose premium-quality basmati rice for the best texture and flavor.
For a fiery kick, keep the jalapeño seeds when chopping.
Swap vegetable broth with chicken broth if you desire a richer taste.
If the rice feels dry, stir in a little extra broth during cooking for a perfectly moist finish.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Spanish Rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a hearty and balanced meal. It’s a natural accompaniment to Tex-Mex classics like tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas. For gatherings, include it in a buffet with black beans, guacamole, and salsa for a vibrant spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, though you’ll need to adjust the liquid ratio and cooking time based on the type of rice used.
What can I substitute for jalapeño?
Bell peppers provide a milder flavor, while chili flakes can be used for an extra spicy kick.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Spanish Rice reheats well on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to restore its moisture.
Spanish Rice offers the perfect combination of flavor, simplicity, and versatility. With its savory depth and adaptable nature, this dish can complement countless meals or stand alone as a crowd-pleasing favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional ingredients like corn or beans to make it uniquely your own!
Ingredients
1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
½ white onion, diced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ cup diced fresh tomatoes or canned tomato sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped
1½ cups vegetable broth
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
Warm the olive oil in a medium-sized Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 to 8 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Incorporate the rinsed rice and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it releases a nutty aroma.
Mix in the tomato paste and minced garlic, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Next, add the diced fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce, chopped jalapeño, sea salt, oregano, and vegetable broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the pot from the heat but keep it covered. Allow the rice to rest for an additional 10 minutes to finish steaming. Before serving, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and enjoy this flavorful, aromatic Spanish rice.
Spanish Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice rinsed
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ white onion diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup diced fresh tomatoes or canned tomato sauce
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper stemmed, seeded, and chopped
- 1½ cups vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a medium-sized Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 to 8 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Incorporate the rinsed rice and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it releases a nutty aroma.
- Mix in the tomato paste and minced garlic, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Next, add the diced fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce, chopped jalapeño, sea salt, oregano, and vegetable broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat but keep it covered. Allow the rice to rest for an additional 10 minutes to finish steaming. Before serving, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and enjoy this flavorful, aromatic Spanish rice.