Arroz Espanola(Spanish Rice)
A flavorful Spanish rice dish featuring bacon drippings, tomatoes, and vegetables, perfect for family dinners or as a side for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt bacon drippings in a large skillet.
- Add rice and brown until golden.
- Reduce heat and add sliced onion, bell pepper, canned tomatoes, minced garlic, and black pepper.
- Mix well and add 1.5 cups of warm water or enough to just cover the rice.
- Add salt, cover, and let simmer until almost dry.
- Add remaining cold water gradually, cooking over low heat until rice is fluffy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting olive oil for bacon drippings or adding a pinch of smoked paprika. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon drippings and use vegetable oil instead. You can also add peas or corn for extra texture and sweetness. Ensure the rice is rinsed well before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a fluffier result.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Arroz Espanola as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish, as it pairs beautifully with Pork recipes. You can also enjoy it as a main dish topped with avocado slices or fresh cilantro. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a crisp salad or some Hot German Beans for added variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Arroz Espanola in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and heat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, covering it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arroz Espanola(Spanish Rice) contains roughly 226 calories, with 7g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (140% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1889mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time and more water. Generally, for brown rice, you should increase the water to about 3.5 cups and simmer for approximately 40-45 minutes for best results.
What can I add for extra protein?
You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chorizo to Arroz Espanola for a heartier dish. Simply sauté the protein separately and mix it in during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure everything is heated through.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, include diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper when you add the vegetables. You can also stir in a bit of hot sauce just before serving to customize the spice level to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).