Description
Easy Spanish Rice is the kind of side dish that makes an everyday dinner feel more complete. Fluffy long grain rice simmers in tomato sauce, broth, onion, garlic, and warm spices until every bite is savory, tender, and full of color. It is perfect for taco night, quick dinner spreads, meal prep, and easy family meals. Whether you need simple dinner ideas, an easy recipe for busy weeknights, or versatile food ideas to serve with chicken, beans, or grilled meats, this homemade Spanish rice brings big flavor with very little effort.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup long grain white rice
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
lime wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and green bell pepper and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the rice and stir for 2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth.
6. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
7. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
9. Remove from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
10. Fluff with a fork, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Do not stir the rice too much once it starts simmering, or it can turn gummy instead of staying light and fluffy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg