Description
This easy Spanish Rice recipe delivers a warm, flavorful dish featuring fluffy long-grain rice cooked with fresh tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a blend of simple, wholesome ingredients. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect as a quick weeknight meal or a vibrant side dish to complement a variety of main courses. The recipe is versatile, budget-friendly, and offers an authentic taste with fresh herbs and a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Base Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 medium fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spices
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Optional Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This creates the flavorful base for the dish.
- Toast the Rice: Add long-grain rice to the skillet, stirring frequently. Cook until the rice grains turn slightly golden and give off a nutty aroma, enhancing their flavor and texture.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in diced fresh tomatoes, paprika, and cumin. Allow the spices to bloom and mix well with the rice and tomatoes, developing the signature color and deep flavor.
- Incorporate Liquids: Slowly pour in vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and cook undisturbed for 15 to 20 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff and Garnish: Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm for a colorful and fragrant dish.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality long-grain rice for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not stir the rice during cooking to avoid mushy texture.
- Simmer on low to medium heat for even cooking without burning.
- Fresh tomatoes and herbs significantly enhance dish vibrancy and taste.
- Adjust paprika and cumin to customize the spice level to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Spanish rice, easy rice recipe, stovetop rice, flavorful rice, vegetarian rice, quick dinner
