Spanish Style Rice
Spanish Style Rice offers a flavorful and colorful twist on classic rice, infused with tomato, green pepper, and savory seasonings. This quick, satisfying dish pairs well with a variety of main courses and is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a lively family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine tomato sauce, water, chopped onion, diced green pepper, butter, salt, sugar, prepared mustard, and pepper in a saucepan.
- Cover and bring to a full boil.
- Stir in Minute rice.
- Remove from heat; cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Stir with a fork before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onion and green pepper in the butter until softened before adding the tomato sauce. If you're out of Minute rice, you can substitute with regular long-grain rice, but adjust the cooking time. A pinch of smoked paprika can also enhance the dish's flavor profile, giving it a nice depth. Experimenting with spices can lead to delightful variations.
Serving Suggestions
Spanish Style Rice makes a great base for a variety of proteins, such as grilled chicken or shrimp. It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices. For something sweet afterward, consider a serving of After Dinner Mints to cleanse the palate.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This will help prevent the rice from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Style Rice contains roughly 200 calories, with 5g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1856mg per serving (81% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice dish ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe up to step 4, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if needed to keep it moist.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! The recipe is inherently vegetarian, but you can enhance its nutritional value by adding beans, such as black beans or chickpeas, during the cooking process. This will provide extra protein and fiber, making it a heartier meal. Browse more vegetarian recipes for additional ideas.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you'll need to cook them down into a sauce first. Use about 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes, diced, and simmer them with a bit of water until soft. This will provide a fresh flavor, but keep in mind it may alter the cooking time slightly.
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).