Spanish Rice

Spanish rice is a Mexican side dish that is served alongside various entrees like steaks, tacos, enchiladas, tapas etc. It is one of the most famous Spanish dishes, complimenting many cuisines and palettes with its spicy and exotic flavours.

Spanish rice is a dish made with rice, onions, garlic, and tomatoes seasoned with cumin, cayenne, and salt. This easy recipe will prepare a delicious and mouth-watering rice dish that will be best as a side to other Spanish dishes.

Health Benefits

Rice has various healthy nutrients which help the body by providing instant energy, regulating and improving digestive function, stabilize levels of blood sugar and prevent signs of aging.

The dish is an excellent source of carbohydrates, protein and dietary fibre that is beneficial for the body. Also, the dish contains minerals like calcium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, copper, magnesium, and more. It also is a source of various vitamins like niacin, thiamin, vitamin B1, pantothenic acid and more.

Ingredients

olive oil: 2 tbsp

bell peppers (chopped) (you can use either green, red or a combination of both): 1 cup

yellow onion (chopped): 1 cup

Jalapeño pepper (deveined, seeds removed and finely chopped) (optional): 1

cloves of garlic--chopped: 2

tomato paste: 3 tbsp

white rice (uncooked short rice): 1 cup

roasted diced tomatoes (with the liquid drained): 1 can

chicken broth: 2 cup

chilli powder: 1 tbsp

ground cumin: 2 tsp

salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

cheese of your liking for seasoning (grated): 1/2 cup

How To Make Spanish Rice

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add peppers, garlic, and onion to the hot oil and sauté until onions become translucent and tender.
3. Add tomato paste to the vegetable and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
4. Add chicken broth, rice and, diced tomatoes with the liquid to the skillet and season it with salt, pepper, ground cumin and, chilli powder. Stir the mixture well and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover skillet with a lid and let the rice simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Remove lid and stir the sauce occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
7. Cover the skillet again and let the rice cook for 10-12 more minutes or until the rice is tender, and ½ cup of the liquid still remains.
8. Top the rice with your favourite grated cheese and serve as aside to chicken steak, tacos or your favourite Spanish dish.

Trivia

Although the dish is called Spanish rice, it is not known by this name in Spanish regions. The locals of the country and Spanish cuisine enthusiasts refer to the dish simply as Arroz or Arroz Rojo which means red rice.