Quick and Delicious Spanish Rice Recipe

Are you ready to whip up a batch of Delicious Quick Spanish Rice that will have your taste buds dancing with delight? This easy-to-make recipe brings together fluffy basmati rice with the vibrant flavors of onions, red bell peppers, and jalapeños, all infused with aromatic garlic, cumin, and oregano. In just 25 minutes and using only one pan, you’ll have a mouthwatering side dish that pairs perfectly with all your favorite Mexican-style meals.

Every bite of this homemade Spanish Rice is a burst of flavor that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. The secret to its rich and toasty taste lies in browning the rice with the veggies and seasonings before adding the liquid, creating a dish that is a cut above anything you could get from a box. Just ask my skeptical brother-in-law, who couldn’t resist going back for more!

Whether you’re planning a taco night, craving a burrito bowl, or simply looking for a versatile and delicious side dish, this Delicious Quick Spanish Rice is sure to become your go-to recipe. With the added bonus of being nutritious and easy to customize based on your preferences, this dish is a winner on all fronts. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to savor the flavors of this delightful Spanish Rice that will elevate any meal to a whole new level of yum!

Quick Benefits

• Rich in nutrients: Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants from bell peppers, and metabolism-boosting capsaicin from jalapeños.
• Balanced meal component: Contains about 157 calories per serving with 30g of carbs, providing energy and satiety without excessive calories.
• Versatile and convenient: Tastes even better the next day, freezes well for up to three months, and complements a wide range of dishes with its flexible serving options.

Why You’ll Love This Quick and Delicious Spanish Rice Recipe Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The recipe combines the vibrant flavors of onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, garlic, cumin, and oregano, creating a delicious medley that complements any Mexican-style meal.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes and made in one pan, this Spanish Rice recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• Family Favorite: Even self-proclaimed rice skeptics can’t resist this dish, as evidenced by the author’s brother-in-law who kept coming back for more.
• Versatile and Adaptable: The dish can be customized to suit different preferences and regional variations, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
• Nutrient-Packed: Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and capsaicin, this rice dish not only tastes great but also offers health benefits from its nutritious ingredients.
• Tips for Perfect Rice: The recipe includes helpful tips for achieving the perfect rice consistency, ensuring your dish turns out just right every time.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The rice tastes even better the next day, can be made ahead up to two days, and frozen for up to three months, providing convenience for meal prep and planning.
• Enhanced Flavor: Browning the rice with vegetables and seasonings before adding liquid brings out a rich, toasty taste, elevating the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Suits Various Occasions: Whether it’s taco night, burrito bowls, or a simple grilled chicken meal, this Spanish Rice is a versatile and delicious addition to any menu.

Ingredients for Quick and Delicious Spanish Rice Recipe

Base

• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 cup long grain basmati rice, washed
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed tiny
• ½ or 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and chopped
• 1 tiny yellow onion, chopped finely
• ½ regular red bell pepper, cored and finely chopped

Seasonings

• ½ tsp table salt
• ½ tsp dried oregano leaves
• ½ tsp cumin powder

Liquids

• 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
• 8 ounces chicken or veggie broth

Pro Tips for Quick and Delicious Spanish Rice Recipe

To enhance the flavor of your Spanish Rice, make sure to take the time to brown the rice with the veggies and seasonings before adding any liquid. This step brings out a rich, toasty taste that truly elevates the dish. Don’t rush past this stage, as those extra few minutes can make a big difference in the final outcome.

If you find that your rice is turning out too soggy or the grains are still hard after cooking, remember that small adjustments can help. For soggy rice, cook it a bit longer with the lid off to let the extra moisture escape. If the grains are still hard, add 2-3 tablespoons more liquid, cover, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Be mindful that minor variations in pots and stoves may require slight modifications in cooking time.

For even better flavor, allow the Spanish Rice to sit and let the flavors meld together. This dish actually tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days in a sealed container or freeze portions for up to three months. Just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring back moisture and enjoy the convenience of having a flavorful side dish ready to go for future meals.

How to Make Quick and Delicious Spanish Rice Recipe

Step 1: Soften Veggies

Heat oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Cook onions, bell pepper, and jalapeño for about 4 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Mix In Garlic

Add garlic and stir continuously for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown Rice

Add rice, cumin, oregano, and salt. Stir continuously for 2 minutes until the rice browns and becomes aromatic.

Step 4: Cook Everything

Add tomato sauce and broth to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender.

Step 5: Last Step

Taste and adjust seasonings to preference.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the delicious quick Spanish rice and enjoyed it for dinner, you might be wondering how to store the leftovers properly. This flavorful dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days in a sealed container. When you are ready to reheat it, simply add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture and warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop in a covered pan. The flavors of the rice will have had more time to meld together, making it taste even better the next day.

For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the Spanish rice for up to three months. This is especially convenient for meal prepping or for saving leftovers for future quick and easy meals. When you want to enjoy the frozen rice, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it using the same method as for refrigerated leftovers. By following these storage tips, you can continue to enjoy the delicious flavors of the Spanish rice even after the initial cooking day.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegan version of this Spanish rice, you can easily substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. This swap will maintain the flavor profile of the dish while catering to a plant-based diet. Additionally, if you prefer a milder heat level, you can replace the jalapeños with a milder pepper like poblano or green bell pepper. This adjustment will still add a nice flavor without the spiciness.

If you don’t have basmati rice on hand, you can use long-grain white rice as a substitute. While basmati rice has a unique aroma and flavor, long-grain white rice will still work well in this recipe and provide a similar texture. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time as different rice varieties may require slightly different cooking times.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and colorful twist on serving this delicious Quick Spanish Rice, try stuffing it into halved bell peppers and baking until the peppers are tender. Top with some melted cheese for a gooey finish that will delight your taste buds!

Another creative way to enjoy this flavorful Spanish Rice is to use it as a filling for stuffed burritos. Simply spoon the rice mixture onto a large flour tortilla, add your choice of protein, beans, veggies, and cheese, then roll it up into a burrito. Grill or bake the burrito until crispy and golden, then serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, and avocado for a satisfying meal that’s bursting with Mexican flavors.

FAQs for Quick and Delicious Spanish Rice Recipe

Question?

What’s the difference between Spanish Rice and Mexican Rice?

Answer:

Spanish Rice and Mexican Rice are often used interchangeably, but they can have slight variations. Spanish Rice typically includes onions, bell peppers, and sometimes jalapeños, while Mexican Rice often features tomatoes and cumin. The choice of ingredients can vary based on regional preferences.

Question?

How can I fix rice that turns out too soggy or undercooked?

Answer:

If your rice is too soggy, simply cook it uncovered for a bit longer to let excess moisture evaporate. For undercooked rice, add 2-3 tablespoons of liquid, cover, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Adjustments may be needed based on your cooking equipment and stove.

Question?

Can I make this Spanish Rice dish ahead of time?

Answer:

Absolutely! This Spanish Rice dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture, then warm it in the microwave or on the stove. It can also be frozen for up to three months.

Question?

What makes browning the rice with veggies before adding liquid so important in this recipe?

Answer:

Browning the rice with the vegetables and seasonings before adding liquid is crucial as it brings out a rich, toasty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. This step transforms the rice, adding depth and complexity to the final dish that you wouldn’t achieve by simply boiling the rice in liquid.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Delicious Quick Spanish Rice recipe is a game-changer in the world of homemade side dishes. Its versatility and bold flavors make it a standout addition to any Mexican-inspired meal. Remember, the key to perfection lies in that brief toasting step that elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe and make it your own by adding your favorite vegetables or protein. Embrace the vibrant colors and flavors of this dish, and watch it become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So whip up a batch of this Delicious Quick Spanish Rice and savor every bite of this comforting and satisfying dish.