Letha'S Spanish Rice
Letha's Spanish Rice is a flavorful side dish featuring tender rice simmered with tomatoes, onions, and spices, perfect for Mexican-inspired meals or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rice for 20 minutes; drain.
- Add all ingredients and cook slowly until the juice of tomatoes is absorbed.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the onions before adding them to the rice. You can also substitute the tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren't available. If you prefer a spicier kick, adding a chopped jalapeño or some chili powder can enhance the dish. This recipe is versatile and works well with other Mexican recipes as a base.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Letha's Spanish Rice as a hearty side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mexican Green Bean And Corn Salad for a refreshing touch. You can also use it as a filling for burritos or tacos, or serve it topped with avocado and fresh cilantro for an extra flavor boost.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Spanish rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water to the rice and heat in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. This helps to restore moisture and prevent the rice from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Letha'S Spanish Rice contains roughly 58 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (129% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1822mg per serving (79% 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 make this dish vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. You can enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, making it even more nutritious and satisfying.
How can I adjust the recipe for more servings?
To scale up the recipe, simply multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of servings you need. Keep the cooking times similar, but monitor the rice closely to ensure it cooks evenly and the flavors meld well.
What can I do if the rice turns out too dry?
If your rice is too dry, you can add a bit more boiling water or vegetable broth while cooking. Stir gently and let it cook for a few more minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy.
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).