Spanish Rice(Low Sugar, Salt And Fat)
A flavorful Spanish rice dish with fresh tomatoes, peas, and carrots, perfect for a wholesome, low-sugar, low-salt meal that suits any family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, saute rice in hot oil until lightly browned.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and salt.
- Cook over low heat until the onion is tender.
- Add peeled, chopped tomatoes; cook over medium heat until softened.
- Add water; cover and simmer until water is absorbed.
- Stir in chicken broth, frozen peas, and diced cooked carrots; cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or paprika during cooking. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth is a great substitute. You can also use brown rice for added fiber; just adjust the cooking time. To save time, pre-cook the carrots and peas or use canned versions. This dish can also be made with quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spanish rice as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it as a main course topped with fresh herbs. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Or Pork With Rice for a hearty meal. You can also enhance the dish by adding avocado slices or a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the skillet and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, covered, until heated through, adding a little water if needed to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rice(Low Sugar, Salt And Fat) contains roughly 393 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (156% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and potassium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1579mg per serving (69% 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 vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this Spanish rice vegan by replacing chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting any animal products. The dish will still be flavorful thanks to the tomatoes and spices.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the onions and garlic. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Spanish rice freezes well. Place cooled rice in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or microwave.
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).