Description
This Easy Spanish Rice recipe is a flavorful and comforting side dish featuring fluffy long-grain rice cooked with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato base. Perfect as a versatile side or a satisfying plant-based meal, it is simple to prepare and full of vibrant colors and bold flavors that bring warmth and brightness to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Toast the Rice: Heat the extra virgin olive oil (natural) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the rice and stir constantly for about 3-4 minutes until the grains turn a light golden color. This enhances the nutty flavor and prevents the rice from becoming sticky later.
- Sauté Your Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, establishing the base flavor for the dish.
- Add Spices and Sauces: Sprinkle smoked paprika and ground cumin evenly over the rice and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything. Pour in the tomato sauce (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), mixing thoroughly to combine the savory and tangy flavors.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet and bring the mixture gently to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
- Fluff and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top to add a fresh herbal brightness and color.
Notes
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separate grains.
- Maintain a gentle simmer during cooking to prevent burning and achieve even texture.
- Use freshly ground smoked paprika and cumin for the best flavor impact.
- Do not lift the lid while the rice is cooking to keep steam trapped for tender results.
- Let the rice rest after cooking to allow moisture to distribute evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Spanish Rice, Vegan Rice Recipe, Plant-Based Side Dish, Easy Dinner, Gluten Free, Comfort Food, Healthy Rice
