Description
Spanish Rice is a comforting, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish featuring fragrant spices and fresh plant-based ingredients. Ready in under 30 minutes, it serves as a versatile side or main dish that brings bold flavors and satisfying texture with simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Base
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 cup natural tomato puree
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Spices
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon natural chili powder
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Measure out the rice, spices, and liquids to have everything ready for smooth cooking.
- Toast the Rice: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the rice and toast for 3-4 minutes until grains turn slightly golden and emit a nutty aroma.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Add Spices and Tomato Puree: Sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin seeds, and chili powder over the rice and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly, then mix in the natural tomato puree for rich flavor.
- Pour in Vegetable Broth and Simmer: Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet. Stir, bring to a gentle simmer, cover tightly, and cook on low heat for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Let It Rest and Fluff: Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork and stir in fresh cilantro for added color and aroma.
Notes
- Use long-grain rice to keep the grains fluffy and separate.
- Toasting the rice before simmering enhances flavor and improves texture.
- Fresh vegetable broth adds more depth than water.
- Cover the pan tightly during cooking to trap steam and avoid drying out.
- Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika to customize heat and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Spanish Rice, plant-based, quick recipe, easy dinner, vegetarian side dish
