Lenora'S Quick Spanish Rice
A flavorful and quick Spanish rice dish featuring bacon drippings, tomato sauce, and aromatic vegetables, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt 1/4 cup of bacon drippings in a saucepan.
- Add sliced onion, green pepper, and Minute rice to the saucepan.
- Stir over high heat until lightly browned.
- Add the tomato sauce to the mixture.
- Mix mustard, pepper, and salt with 1 1/2 cups of hot water.
- Add the seasoned hot water to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, consider using pre-cooked bacon or even olive oil instead of bacon drippings. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can skip the drippings and use vegetable broth instead of water. Feel free to add some cooked beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of rice, although Minute rice is the quickest for this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This Spanish rice pairs beautifully with Pork Chops With Collard Greens or can be served as a side for tacos or grilled chicken. You can top it with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or even some shredded cheese for added flavor. A simple green salad would also complement this dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Spanish rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it in short intervals, adding a splash of water to keep it moist, or heat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lenora'S Quick Spanish Rice contains roughly 67 calories, with 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2030mg per serving (88% 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 Minute rice?
While Minute rice is designed for quick cooking, brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more water. If you prefer brown rice, adjust the water amount to 2 cups and increase the cooking time according to package instructions. This will yield a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
What can I add to make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you add the onions and peppers. Alternatively, you could serve it with a side of hot sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rice mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. Just reheat it in a saucepan with a little water to prevent it from drying out. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep.
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).