Real Spanish Rice
A flavorful Spanish rice dish with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, perfect as a side or main for hearty meals and suitable for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 2 cups uncooked regular rice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic ⓘ
- 3 1/4 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz) can garbanzo beans, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over moderate heat.
- Add uncooked rice and stir quickly to coat with oil.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until rice is light brown.
- Add chopped onion and cook about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring constantly, until rice is browned and onion is soft.
- Place minced garlic, cumin, drained and chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper in a blender; blend at high speed until well broken up.
- Add the blended mixture to the rice along with chicken broth.
- Cover, bring to a boil, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add chopped parsley and drained garbanzo beans; cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until all liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve an authentic flavor, consider toasting the rice a bit longer until it's a deeper brown. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth can be a great substitute. For added depth, try using smoked paprika or a splash of lime juice before serving. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken broth and use more vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spanish rice as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or as a flavorful base for a chicken paprikash. A fresh green salad or sautéed vegetables pairs beautifully for a complete meal. You can also top it with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, adding moisture to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Real Spanish Rice contains roughly 766 calories, with 45g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (218% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (144% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1979mg per serving (86% 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 regular rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that the cooking time will increase significantly. Brown rice typically takes about 40-50 minutes to cook. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid, using about 4 cups of broth instead of 3 1/4 cups.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the onions. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to adjust the spice level to their preference.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in bell peppers, peas, or corn for added color and nutrition. Just be mindful of the cooking times; add quicker-cooking vegetables like peas towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
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).