Description
This easy Spanish Rice recipe combines fluffy long-grain rice with rich tomato essence, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables for a vibrant, plant-based dish full of bold flavors and bright colors. Perfect as a comforting side or main, it is quick to prepare and customizable to suit any taste or occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (natural)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil (natural) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes soft and fragrant, creating the flavorful base of the dish.
- Toast the Rice: Add the long-grain rice to the skillet and stir continuously, toasting it lightly until it develops a nutty aroma. This ensures even cooking and fluffy texture.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in the diced tomatoes (natural), vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika (natural), and ground cumin. Stir well to combine all the vibrant flavors.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the rice cook undisturbed for about 15 to 20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and stir in the freshly chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal finish and bright color.
Notes
- Use quality long-grain rice for the best texture.
- Avoid stirring the rice while it is simmering to prevent mushiness.
- Let the cooked rice rest, covered, off heat for a few minutes to enhance fluffiness.
- Add cilantro at the end to keep its vibrant flavor and color.
- Adjust spice levels gradually to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Spanish Rice, Plant-Based Rice, Easy Spanish Recipe, Tomato Rice, Fluffy Rice, Quick Dinner
