Spanish Rice Soup
A hearty Spanish rice soup with tender rice, flavorful tomatoes, green chiles, and olives, perfect for comforting meals and packed with bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked rice ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons lard ⓘ
- 2 small onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 4 medium-sized tomatoes, peeled and chopped or 1 cup tomato puree ⓘ
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 or 3 canned green chile slices, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives
Instructions
- Brown the uncooked rice lightly in lard.
- Add finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and chopped or pureed tomatoes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add 4 cups of broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and simmer on top of the range for 25 to 30 minutes or bake in a covered casserole at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green chiles, chopped parsley, and pimiento-stuffed green olives before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try using a mix of chicken and beef broth. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute brown rice for white rice, though you'll need to adjust cooking times. You can also add bell peppers or corn for extra texture. If you're short on time, ready-made tomato puree can save you prep time compared to fresh tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spanish Rice Soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and olives for a vibrant presentation. It also pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like Hearty Goulash Soup, creating a comforting meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup if it thickens. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rice Soup contains roughly 1645 calories, with 59g protein, 231g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (174% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (129% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2728mg per serving (119% 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 soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth. Additionally, skip the chiles if you prefer a milder flavor and add extra veggies like zucchini or carrots for more substance.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the heat, consider adding more canned green chiles or incorporating diced jalapeños. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or use a spicier variety of olives to enhance the flavor without altering the dish significantly.
Can I freeze Spanish Rice Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding water or broth to restore the desired consistency.
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).