Spanish Rice With Ham
Spanish Rice With Ham is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender rice with savory ham, fresh vegetables, and a touch of sweetness. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch, it offers a balanced blend of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, cook chopped onion and chopped green pepper in margarine until vegetables are tender, but not brown.
- Stir in canned ham, undrained tomatoes, vegetable juice cocktail, sugar, and 1/4 cup water.
- Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in quick cooking rice.
- Let stand, covered, about 5 minutes or until rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a pinch of smoked paprika to the vegetable mixture. If you prefer a little heat, diced jalapeños can be a great addition. You can substitute the canned ham with diced cooked chicken or even a vegetarian option like chickpeas for a different twist. Ensure the rice is spread evenly in the pan to cook uniformly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spanish Rice With Ham as a hearty main dish alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips. For a complete dinner experience, consider serving it with a refreshing cucumber salad or the delicious Mushroom Appetizer as a starter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice, cover, and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rice With Ham contains roughly 1135 calories, with 19g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (150% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1729mg per serving (75% 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 quick cooking rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. Add additional water and simmer until the rice is tender, which may take about 30-40 minutes, depending on the type of brown rice used. Adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for the vegetable juice cocktail?
If you don't have vegetable juice cocktail, you can use a mix of tomato juice and vegetable broth. This will give a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, you can blend fresh tomatoes with a bit of water to create a homemade version.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, Spanish Rice With Ham can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
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).