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The BEST Easy One-Pot Spanish Rice | Authentic Mexican Side Dish

Close-up of a white bowl filled with fluffy, orange-red spanish rice mixed with bright green peas and diced carrots.
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Make restaurant-style Spanish Rice at home with this simple, one-pot recipe. You get fluffy, flavorful Arroz Rojo perfect for tacos or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the long-grain white rice to the pan. Stir frequently and toast the rice for 5 to 7 minutes until it turns light golden brown. This step is key for fluffy Spanish Rice.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the rice and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce, broth, salt, cumin, and oregano. Stir everything together well.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid. Do not stir during simmering.
  8. After 18 minutes, remove the pan from the heat. If using, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix.
  9. Keep the pan covered and let the rice steam for an additional 10 minutes off the heat.
  10. Fluff the Spanish Rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • Toasting the rice properly gives you that authentic restaurant-style texture.
  • Use good quality broth for the best flavor in your Arroz Rojo.
  • For a richer color, add 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder along with the cumin and oregano.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://littlekitchendiary.com/easy-one-pot-spanish-rice-recipe/