Spanish Rice

Spanish rice is one of the simplest recipes on this site to prepare. It’s also one of the most flavorful. Your child will love this. I remember fondly my beloved six year old niece giving it two thumbs up after taking her first bite. Spanish rice is traditionally served as a side, but I can eat a full plate of it and usually do. My inspiration came about during my time at Trio, a restaurant in Minneapolis that used to make delicious Spanish rice. Although it wasn’t my recipe, I always had it during my lunch hour because I loved it so much. After many attempts, I have figured out my own version; its perfect blend of flavors will go with almost anything. 

First, we are going to toast rice with olive oil. Then we’ll add in the rest of the ingredients, the seasonings, and let it all simmer. It’s that simple! If you’d prefer an even spicier version, add more chili powder to satisfy your taste.

I have made this recipe on several occasions, including Taco Tuesday and Cinco De Mayo, and everyone has always praised it. It can easily be paired with chipotle black beans, a pepper jack quesadilla, tofu taco crumbles, or a black bean breakfast burrito. Or you can add additional sides and make it a combo with guacamole and/or pico de gallo. 

I encourage you to share your experience in the comments below if you tried this Spanish Rice recipe or made it differently. If you took a photo, please share with me on my instagram account ‘zesty_zahra’ and I will share your stories there. I am always happy to learn about people’s food choices and preferences!

Spanish Rice

Zahra

Spanish rice is one of the simplest yet tastiest recipes to prepare. Its perfect blend of flavors will go with almost anything.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Spanish

Servings 2 people

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 cup Rice
• 2 cups Water
• ½ cup Tomato Sauce
• ½ cup Tomato diced
• ¼ tsp Chili Powder or to taste
• 1 tsp Cumin Powder
• ½ tsp Garlic Powder
• ½ tsp Dried Oregano
• ¼ tsp Smoked Paprika
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Salt or to taste

Garnish

• Fresh Cilantro
• Lime Wedges

Instructions

 

• Heat a medium size deep pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and rice and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely that they don't burn.
• Add water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper and salt and bring it to boil.
• Reduce heat to low-medium, partially cover with lid and simmer until water fully dissolves (about 15 minutes). Then remove from heat.
• Garnish and serve warm.

Notes

*Note: Pair with chipotle black beans, pepper jack quesadilla, black bean breakfast burrito, guacamole and/or pico de gallo.

Keyword easy, vegan