Spanish Rice

Spanish Rice

Full of vibrant flavors and colors, Spanish Rice is a perfect side for dinner. Tomatoes, peppers, and onions form the foundation of this rice dish.

Ingredients

  • extra-virgin olive oil
    2 tbsp.
  • yellow onion

    finely chopped

    ½ medium
  • garlic

    finely chopped

    3 cloves
  • long-grain white rice

    lightly rinsed, patted dry

    1 ½ c.
  • low-sodium chicken broth
    2 c.
  • canned crushed tomatoes
    ½ c.
  • kosher salt

    plus more

    2 tsp.
  • sazón seasoning
    1 ¼ tsp.
  • dried oregano
    1 tsp.
  • ground cumin
    ¾ tsp.
  • freshly ground black pepper

    plus more

    ½ tsp.
  • cayenne pepper
    ¼ tsp.
  • fresh cilantro leaves

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Cook onion, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring frequently, until toasted and lightly golden, about 6 minutes. Stir in broth, tomatoes, salt, Sazón, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne.

  2. 2

    Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and cook at a bare simmer until all liquid is absorbed, 18 to 20 minutes.

  3. 3

    Remove from heat, remove lid, then cover pot with a clean kitchen towel. Place lid over towel and let rest 5 to 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Fluff rice with a fork; season with salt and pepper. Top with cilantro.

Spanish Rice

Spanish Rice

366 cal

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About this Recipe

Looking for the best Spanish rice recipe to complement your dinner? This homemade Spanish rice delivers vibrant flavors and colors, making it the perfect rice side dish that's both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

The magic in this classic Spanish rice lies in its rich foundation of finely chopped yellow onion, garlic, and crushed tomatoes. Combined with a robust blend of sazón seasoning, dried oregano, ground cumin, and a touch of cayenne, every grain of rice is infused with deep, flavorful notes that truly sing.

Prepare your palate for a truly delicious experience. This colorful rice boasts a beautiful reddish-yellow hue from the tomatoes and sazón, flecked with bright green cilantro upon serving. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of savory, aromatic, and subtly spicy notes, with the distinct earthiness of cumin and oregano shining through. It's a comforting yet exciting tomato rice that feels hearty without being heavy, making it an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of main courses. Plus, it's naturally dairy-free!

This versatile spiced rice is easy to adapt to your taste. For an extra kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder profile, simply reduce the cayenne. While this recipe focuses on foundational flavors, you could also experiment with adding finely diced bell peppers (red or green) alongside the onion for more vegetable richness and color.

This easy Spanish rice is ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a reliable and delicious side. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or your favorite tacos for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and visual appeal.

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