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Authentic & Easy One-Pan Spanish Rice

A white bowl filled with bright orange Spanish rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and two lime wedges.
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Make flavorful Spanish rice that achieves fluffy, separate grains using simple techniques. This quick side dish complements Mexican and Tex-Mex meals perfectly.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a medium, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the long-grain white rice to the skillet. Toast the rice, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes until the grains turn light golden brown. This step creates the nutty flavor and helps keep the grains separate.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to coat the rice completely. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
  6. Pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and simmer without lifting the lid for 18 minutes. Do not stir during simmering.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish steaming and absorb remaining liquid.
  9. Fluff the Spanish rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

  • Toasting the rice is the secret to achieving fluffy, non-gummy Spanish rice. Do not skip this step.
  • Use low-sodium broth to control the final salt level of this flavorful rice dish.
  • For a heartier meal, you can add 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken when you fluff the rice at the end.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mayaplate.com/easy-spanish-rice-recipe-authentic-mexican/