Description
This classic Spanish Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish featuring golden toasted rice simmered in a savory tomato and chicken broth mixture, seasoned with garlic, cumin, and a hint of spice. Perfect to complement any Mexican or Spanish-inspired meal, it results in fluffy, vibrant rice with a rich and aromatic taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 cube chicken-flavored bouillon
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Dash garlic pepper
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Liquids
- 4 cups water (or 4 cups lower sodium chicken broth, no bouillon)
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Toast Rice: In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the rice turns golden brown, approximately 5 minutes. This helps to develop a nutty flavor and adds texture.
- Prepare Bouillon Mixture: In a microwave-safe container, combine the chicken-flavored bouillon cube with 4 cups of water. Microwave for 3 minutes to dissolve the bouillon completely and heat the liquid.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Once the rice is evenly browned, carefully add the hot bouillon mixture, tomato sauce, minced garlic, salt, ground cumin, and a dash of garlic pepper to the pan. Stir everything together to combine the flavors uniformly.
- Simmer the Rice: Cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let the rice simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the rice is tender, all liquid is absorbed, and no liquid remains at the bottom of the pan.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top as a garnish for added color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute water with low sodium chicken broth and omit the bouillon cube.
- To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bouillon if it contains animal products.
- Toast the rice evenly and keep stirring while browning to prevent burning and ensure uniform color.
- Cover the pan tightly while simmering to avoid moisture loss and aid in even cooking.
- Adjust salt according to taste and depending on the saltiness of your bouillon or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
