Craving a mouth-watering side dish that'll transport your taste buds straight to Spain? Look no further than Mary's Easy Spanish Rice – the ultimate crowd-pleaser that's so simple, even novice cooks can master it! This vibrant, aromatic rice dish is packed with bold flavors and requires minimal effort, making it the perfect companion to any main course or a delightful standalone meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until the vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir, toasting the rice for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and cumin over the rice, stirring to distribute the spices evenly and release their aromatic qualities.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, including the tomato liquid. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that chicken broth may already contain some salt.
- Bring the mixture to a full boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the rice for 18-20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent steam and heat.
- Once cooking is complete, remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow for steam absorption and fluffing.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving, ensuring a light and separate grain texture.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Key: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain stays separate and fluffy.
- Toasting Matters: Take the time to toast your rice before adding liquids. This extra step develops a deeper, nuttier flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Liquid Ratio is Crucial: Stick to the 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio for perfectly cooked rice every time.
- Low and Slow: Once boiling, reduce heat to the lowest setting and resist the urge to peek! Keeping the lid on maintains the perfect steaming environment.
- Rest Period: Allow the rice to sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking. This final step ensures maximum moisture absorption and prevents a sticky texture.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to experiment by adding diced jalapeños, using vegetable broth, or incorporating additional spices like smoked paprika for a personal touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
