Spanish Rice(Club Member: Kristi Mayfield)
Spanish Rice is a flavorful, hearty dish featuring tender rice combined with crispy bacon, sweet tomatoes, and vibrant green peppers. The savory and slightly sweet flavors make it a perfect side or main dish for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a comforting taste of Latin-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rice in boiling salted water until tender. Drain and rinse with hot running water.
- Fry chopped bacon until crisp. Add chopped onion and green pepper; simmer until onion is soft and yellow.
- Add canned tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper to the bacon and vegetable mixture.
- Pour the cooked rice into the mixture and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Bake about 30 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice. You can also substitute the bacon with pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter option. If fresh tomatoes are available, you can use them instead of canned; just ensure to adjust the liquid content accordingly. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika can also elevate the dish's flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spanish Rice as a side dish to complement grilled meats, such as chicken or pork recipes, or enjoy it as a main course topped with fresh cilantro and avocado. This dish pairs beautifully with Spanish Cabbage for a hearty meal. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese for extra creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a little water on top, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rice(Club Member: Kristi Mayfield) contains roughly 172 calories, with 8g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (182% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2017mg 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 make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice. You can enhance the flavor by adding extra vegetables or beans to the mix, such as black beans or corn, for a delicious vegetarian option.
How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
To spice it up, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. For a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of green pepper or omit it entirely. Adjusting the seasoning to your taste will help achieve your desired spice level.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice for a healthier option, but be aware that it requires a longer cooking time. Follow the package instructions for cooking brown rice and adjust the liquid content accordingly, as it typically absorbs more water than white rice.
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).