Early Spanish Rice
Early Spanish Rice is a flavorful and hearty side dish featuring tender vegetables, rice, and aromatic herbs, perfect for family meals and those craving savory comfort foods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chopped green pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic in hot olive oil until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in dried basil, dried rosemary, water, rice, chopped peeled tomato, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook over low heat until rice is done, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water. You can substitute the regular rice with brown rice or quinoa, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can introduce a subtle heat. Feel free to toss in some black beans or corn for added texture and nutrition. This dish pairs well with a side of Marinated Vegetables Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Early Spanish Rice as a hearty main dish or as a side alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also makes a great filling for stuffed bell peppers. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with Horseradish Relish for a zesty kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and microwave on medium power until heated through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water if it appears dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Early Spanish Rice contains roughly 233 calories, with 8g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 regular rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for regular rice, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time. You may need to increase the water and cook it for about 40-45 minutes instead of the typical 20 minutes.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the rice?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika. You can also incorporate proteins like shrimp or chicken for a more filling meal. A splash of lime juice right before serving adds a refreshing zest.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. It stores well and can be easily reheated, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be sure to separate the portions into individual containers for convenience.
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).