Texas Style Spanish Rice
A flavorful Tex-Mex side dish featuring seasoned rice with tomatoes, green chilies, and aromatic spices, perfect for family meals or gatherings with bold tastes.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tomatoes with green chilies ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, sauté onion and green pepper in oil for about 2 minutes.
- Add rice and stir until coated with oil.
- Add tomatoes, turmeric, cumin, salt, garlic powder, and water.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
- Add cilantro if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a pinch of smoked paprika to the rice. If you don't have long grain rice, you can substitute with jasmine or basmati rice, but adjust the cooking time as needed. To enhance the dish further, add some frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of cooking for added texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Texas Style Spanish Rice pairs beautifully with Ita'S Fajitas, making it a great side dish for a Tex-Mex feast. Serve it alongside grilled meats, beans, or as a base for burrito bowls. Garnish with extra cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor, and don’t forget to explore more Mexican recipes for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Spanish rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice, cover, and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Style Spanish Rice contains roughly 501 calories, with 5g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value) and iron (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1192mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and water ratio. Brown rice typically requires about 40-45 minutes to cook and may need slightly more water. Be sure to check the package instructions for the best results.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This Texas Style Spanish Rice is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. You can enhance its flavor with additional vegetables or a squeeze of lime juice. It’s a perfect dish for anyone following vegan recipes or looking for a hearty side.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper when you add the spices. You can also use spicy tomatoes with green chilies instead of regular ones. Adjust the heat level to your liking for a flavorful kick.
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).