Description
Savory Spanish rice promises a culinary journey through authentic Mediterranean flavors, blending aromatic spices and tender grains. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, this dish delivers a comforting taste of Spain that will transport you straight to a bustling kitchen in Madrid.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or 360 ml vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or 240 ml crushed tomatoes)
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped cilantro or lime wedges (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Toast Rice: Heat oil in a lidded skillet over medium temperature. Tumble rice and stir continuously until achieving a golden, nutty hue, approximately 5 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Introduce onions and cook until they transform into translucent, tender pieces. Immediately incorporate minced garlic, allowing its essence to bloom for 30 seconds.
- Build Flavor Profile: Stream chicken broth and tomato sauce into the skillet. Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, blending ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer and Cook: Elevate heat momentarily to trigger a gentle bubbling, then immediately reduce to low. Secure lid and allow rice to steam, absorbing liquid and becoming perfectly tender, roughly 18-20 minutes.
- Rest and Finish: Withdraw skillet from heat source. Keep covered for an additional 5 minutes, enabling residual moisture to distribute evenly. Delicately separate rice grains using a fork.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer Spanish rice to serving dish. Optional: Scatter fresh cilantro or squeeze lime for a vibrant, zesty accent. Present warm and inviting.
Notes
- Stir constantly during toasting to prevent burning and ensure even golden color, which develops rich nutty flavor and prevents clumping.
- Use precise liquid measurements to achieve perfectly cooked, fluffy rice without becoming mushy or remaining undercooked.
- Adjust spice quantities according to personal heat preference, starting with smaller amounts and gradually increasing for desired flavor intensity.
- Allow rice to sit covered after cooking to redistribute moisture and create uniform texture, preventing dry or sticky results.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg