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The BEST Easy One-Pot Spanish Rice | Authentic Mexican Side Dish

A close-up of a white bowl filled with fluffy, orange-colored spanish rice mixed with peas and diced red peppers.
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Make restaurant-style Spanish Rice at home! This easy, one-pot recipe delivers fluffy, flavorful Arroz Rojo perfect for tacos and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or 1/2 cup blended fresh tomatoes)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the long-grain white rice to the hot oil. Stir constantly and toast the rice for 5 to 7 minutes until it turns a light golden brown color. This step is key for fluffy Spanish Rice.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2 minutes until the onion softens.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 1 minute, stirring to coat the rice completely.
  5. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid. Do not stir during simmering.
  7. After 18 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. If using, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix.
  8. Keep the pot covered and let the rice steam for an additional 10 minutes off the heat.
  9. Fluff the Spanish Rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • Toasting the rice properly gives you that authentic restaurant-style texture. Watch it closely so it does not burn.
  • For richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonfulsnap.com/easy-one-pot-spanish-rice-recipe/