Description
This easy and delicious Spanish Rice recipe features perfectly toasted long grain white rice simmered with chicken broth, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices including chili powder and cumin. Enhanced with fresh diced tomatoes and optional chiles, this flavorful dish makes a perfect side or base for a rice bowl, delivering authentic taste with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock (approximate, see notes)
- 1 cup tomato sauce or puree (approximate, see notes)
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ cup diced fresh tomatoes, seeded and drained (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the rice: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the olive oil and butter together. Add the rice and stir to coat it evenly with the oil and butter. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted and fragrant.
- Add liquids and spices: Stir in chicken broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, oregano, and the diced tomatoes if using. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer and cook: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. Allow the rice to simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or follow the cooking time recommended on your rice package. If after 20 minutes the rice is not tender or the liquid not fully absorbed, continue cooking for an additional 2 to 4 minutes with the lid on.
- Rest and fluff: Remove the saucepan from heat and keep covered, letting the rice rest for a few minutes. Then, fluff the Spanish Rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains.
Notes
- Adjust the liquid ratio and cooking time according to the instructions on your rice package. Typically, substitute the water called for with a 50/50 mixture of chicken broth and tomato sauce, favoring a bit more broth if needed.
- You can add diced, drained mild green chiles or hot jalapeños along with the diced tomatoes for extra heat and flavor.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and/or salsa as desired to elevate the dish.
- This rice works wonderfully as a side dish or as a base in rice bowls.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
