Spanish Rice(Ingredients To Make 2 Pounds Of Rice)
A flavorful Spanish rice dish with tomatoes, capers, beans, and aromatic seasonings, perfect for hearty, comforting meals that suit family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 medium onions ⓘ
- 8 to 10 small garlic cloves ⓘ
- 2 to 3 medium fresh tomatoes ⓘ
- 15 or 16 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 large jar Alcaparrados (Goya) capers and spinach olives ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans pink beans (Goya brand) ⓘ
- 2 pinches oregano ⓘ
- 2 lb. rice ⓘ
- water (enough to cover mixture, about 1/2-inch) ⓘ
- 2 envelopes sason (Spanish seasoning) ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions and garlic in about 10 to 13 tablespoons of oil (1/2 olive oil okay). Add oregano, sason, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and drained Alcaparrados (capers and olives).
- Simmer a few minutes to let flavors blend.
- Add rice and cans of beans (with liquid) and enough water to make a thick, soupy consistency. Add salt to taste.
- Cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the dish. You can substitute the pink beans with black beans or even lentils if you prefer. If you're short on time, you can use pre-chopped onions and garlic. Adjust the amount of sason according to your taste preference, as some brands can be saltier than others.
Serving Suggestions
Spanish rice pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish, making it a versatile side dish. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or with a side of guacamole for added flavor. This dish can also be topped with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for a vibrant presentation. For a vegetarian option, serve with black beans or a refreshing Citrus Tea Blend.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Spanish rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out, cover, and microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated thoroughly. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rice(Ingredients To Make 2 Pounds Of Rice) contains roughly 543 calories, with 27g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (89% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2639mg per serving (115% 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 white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it takes longer to cook. You will need to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly. Typically, brown rice requires about twice the amount of water and a longer cooking duration. Make sure to check for doneness before serving.
Is it necessary to use fresh tomatoes?
While fresh tomatoes add a delicious flavor, you can substitute them with canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. Just drain the canned tomatoes slightly to avoid excess moisture, and adjust the seasoning to taste, as canned tomatoes can be sweeter.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This Spanish rice recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the sason and any other ingredients you use are free from animal-derived ingredients. You can also enhance the dish with additional vegetables for more texture and flavor.
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).