Real Spanish Rice

Transform your dinner table with this vibrant and flavorful recipe for Real Spanish Rice, a true crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with everything from tacos to roasted chicken. Made with long-grain white rice toasted to perfection in olive oil, this dish boasts the bold flavors of fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and seasonings like cumin and smoked paprika for an authentic taste of Spain. Simmered in rich chicken or vegetable broth, the rice achieves a tender, fluffy texture while soaking up all the savory goodness. Garnished with a touch of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness, this quick and easy side dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it a must-try for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Perfectly spiced and irresistibly delicious, this recipe will have your family asking for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large fresh tomato, finely diced
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents sticking.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the rinsed rice to the skillet. Cook and stir frequently for 5 minutes until the rice is lightly golden and toasted.

Step 6

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the rice in the seasonings.

Step 7

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Avoid uncovering or stirring during this time, as it disrupts the cooking process.

Step 9

Once the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender, turn off the heat. Let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam.

Step 10

Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve warm as a side dish to your favorite meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1162.6 grams (1162.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	665

Total Fat 30.90g	40%
Saturated Fat 4.80g	24%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4117mg	179%
Total Carbohydrate 85.50g	31%
Dietary Fiber 7.70g	28%
Total Sugars 15.20g
Protein 14.00g	28%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 128mg	10%
Iron 6mg	33%
Potassium 1353mg	29%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.1%

Protein: 8.3%

Carbs: 50.6%