Spanish Rice Recipe: A Flavorful Side Dish

If you’re looking to add a burst of flavor to your meal, Spanish Rice is the perfect side dish to consider. This vibrant and aromatic rice dish combines the rich flavors of tomato, garlic, and spices, creating a delicious accompaniment to your favorite main courses. Whether you’re serving it alongside tacos, grilled chicken, or a hearty stew, Spanish Rice is sure to impress with its satisfying taste and texture. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this classic dish at home!

Ingredients List

To prepare Spanish Rice, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ white onion, diced
• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup diced fresh tomatoes or canned tomato sauce
• 1 jalapeño pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1½ cups vegetable broth

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or saucepan: To cook the rice and mix all the ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the rice and ensuring even cooking.
• Knife and cutting board: For dicing the onion, garlic, and jalapeño pepper.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
• Lid: To cover the skillet or saucepan while the rice cooks.

With these ingredients and tools, you’re all set to create a flavorful and satisfying Spanish Rice that will elevate any meal.

Preparing the Aromatics

The first step in making Spanish Rice is to prepare the aromatics that will form the base of the dish. This includes sautéing onions, garlic, and jalapeño pepper to infuse the rice with a rich and savory flavor.

1. Heat the Olive Oil: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sauté the vegetables but not smoking.
2. Sauté the Onions: Add the diced white onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent them from browning too quickly.
3. Add Garlic and Jalapeño: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped jalapeño pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the jalapeño is slightly softened. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
4. Mix in the Tomato Paste: Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the skillet, stirring it into the onions, garlic, and jalapeño. Cook for another minute to allow the tomato paste to caramelize slightly, which will deepen the flavor of the dish.

With the aromatics ready and the base flavor established, it’s time to move on to cooking the rice and building the rest of the dish.

Cooking the Rice

Now that the aromatics are perfectly sautéed, it’s time to add the rice and other key ingredients. This step is where the rice will absorb all the rich flavors, creating a delicious and aromatic dish.

1. Add the Rice to the Skillet: Pour the 1 cup of rinsed basmati rice into the skillet with the onion, garlic, jalapeño, and tomato paste mixture. Stir the rice well, ensuring it is fully coated with the oil and tomato paste. Sauté the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This toasting step enhances the flavor of the rice and helps achieve a fluffy texture.
2. Incorporate Fresh Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce: Add ½ cup of diced fresh tomatoes or canned tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the rice and aromatics. The tomatoes will add moisture and a rich, tangy flavor that is characteristic of Spanish Rice.
3. Season the Rice: Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of sea salt and ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano. These seasonings add depth to the dish and complement the tomato and garlic flavors. Stir the mixture to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
4. Pour in the Vegetable Broth: Add 1½ cups of vegetable broth to the skillet. The broth will provide the liquid needed to cook the rice while infusing it with additional flavor. Stir everything together, making sure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid.
5. Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat to high to bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

With the rice simmering and absorbing all those delicious flavors, your Spanish Rice is well on its way to becoming a tasty side dish. In the next step, we’ll finish cooking and add the final touches to this dish.

Finishing the Spanish Rice

Now that the rice has simmered and absorbed all the flavorful broth, it’s time to finish cooking and prepare it for serving. This step ensures the rice is perfectly cooked and well-seasoned, creating a delicious side dish that complements a variety of meals.

1. Check the Rice: After about 15-20 minutes of simmering, check the rice to see if it has absorbed all the liquid. The rice should be tender, and you should see small steam holes on the surface. If there is still liquid remaining, cover the skillet again and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
2. Fluff the Rice: Once the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat. Let the rice sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the rice grains firm up and absorb any remaining moisture. After resting, use a fork to gently fluff the rice, separating the grains and mixing the flavors.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Give the rice a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh, tangy flavor. If you like your rice spicier, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some extra chopped jalapeño on top.
4. Garnish: For a final touch, garnish the Spanish Rice with freshly chopped cilantro. The bright green color and fresh taste of cilantro add a lovely contrast to the rich, tomato-infused rice. You can also add a sprinkle of black pepper or a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño for a bit of heat.

With the rice fluffed and garnished, your Spanish Rice is now ready to serve. In the final step, we’ll explore serving suggestions and how to pair this delicious side dish with various main courses.

Serving and Pairing Spanish Rice

With your Spanish Rice perfectly cooked and garnished, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair this flavorful dish. Spanish Rice is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a side dish or even as a base for a variety of meals. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:

1. Serve as a Side Dish: Spanish Rice pairs beautifully with a wide range of main dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a well-rounded meal. It also complements Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, or burritos, adding a flavorful and satisfying element to your plate.
2. Make it a Main Dish: You can easily turn Spanish Rice into a main course by adding protein. Stir in cooked and shredded chicken, ground beef, or sautéed shrimp. For a vegetarian option, mix in black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers. Top it off with some melted cheese, and you’ve got a hearty and delicious meal.
3. Top with Fresh Ingredients: Enhance your Spanish Rice with fresh toppings like diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream. These additions bring extra flavor and texture, making each bite even more enjoyable. A squeeze of lime juice just before serving adds a zesty brightness that balances the richness of the dish.
4. Pair with Salsas and Sauces: Serve your Spanish Rice with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping. A drizzle of hot sauce can add a kick for those who like a bit of spice. For a more indulgent option, you can top the rice with a creamy queso sauce.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, store your Spanish Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Spanish Rice also freezes well; just cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.

Conclusion

Spanish Rice is a flavorful and versatile dish that brings the vibrant tastes of tomatoes, garlic, and spices to your table. Whether you serve it as a side or make it the star of your meal, this dish is sure to please with its rich aroma and satisfying texture. By following these steps, you can easily prepare a delicious Spanish Rice that will complement a wide range of dishes. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings and toppings to make this recipe your own!