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To make savory Spanish rice, use these key ingredients: - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cumin - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder - 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (optional for authenticity) - 1/2 cup frozen peas - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish These ingredients combine to create a rich flavor. The rice absorbs the broth and spices, making each bite delicious. You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Use brown rice instead of white for a healthier option. Just adjust the cooking time. - Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth for a different flavor. - Any bell pepper can work; green ones are great too. - If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika is fine. These changes still give you tasty Spanish rice without losing the essence. For even more flavor, consider adding these optional ingredients: - Corn for sweetness and a nice crunch. - Black olives, sliced, for a briny touch. - A splash of lime juice for brightness. - Chopped jalapeños for some heat. These additions can elevate your dish and make it more special. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. For the full recipe, check the Sizzling Spanish Rice Fiesta section. Start by heating the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften and smell great. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This will make the kitchen smell amazing! Now it’s time to add the rice. Pour in the long-grain white rice and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir it often to toast the grains lightly. This step adds flavor and a nice texture. After that, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. If you want a true Spanish touch, add saffron too. Stir well, so every grain gets coated with these spices. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes. The rice should be tender and the liquid absorbed. After the time is up, add the frozen peas. Stir gently to mix them in and cover for another 5 minutes. This warms up the peas nicely. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork. Taste it and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve it warm and top with fresh cilantro for a bright finish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get great texture, rinse the rice first. Rinsing removes extra starch. This helps the rice stay fluffy. Use long-grain white rice for the best results. When cooking, make sure to keep the heat low. This lets the rice cook evenly. Avoid lifting the lid while it simmers. This helps keep the steam in. To boost the flavor, try adding fresh herbs. Chopped cilantro adds a nice touch. You can also mix in lime juice for brightness. For more depth, add a bay leaf while cooking. If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. These extras make a big difference in taste. A common mistake is using too much liquid. Stick to the recipe's broth amount for best results. Another mistake is overcooking the rice. This makes it mushy. Make sure to fluff the rice gently. Finally, don’t forget to taste before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Following these tips will help you create the best Spanish rice. For a detailed guide, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily make vegetarian Spanish rice. Start with the same base recipe. Instead of meat broth, use vegetable broth. This keeps it rich and flavorful. Add extra veggies for texture. You can toss in corn, zucchini, or black beans. These add color and taste. This dish remains filling and tasty. It works great as a side or main dish. Adding protein makes Spanish rice even heartier. You can use chicken, shrimp, or beef. Cook the protein first in the pot. Remove it before adding the veggies. Once the rice is ready, mix the protein back in. This adds a savory punch to your dish. If you use chicken, try using chicken broth for even more flavor. You will enjoy a balanced meal that fills you up. For those who love heat, spicy Spanish rice is the way to go. Start with the basic recipe. Add more chili powder or a diced jalapeño. If you like it very spicy, try adding cayenne pepper. You can also include hot sauce for an extra kick. This variation will wake up your taste buds. Pair it with grilled meats for a great meal. To store leftover Spanish rice, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to avoid air. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When you reheat Spanish rice, add a splash of water or broth. This helps to keep it moist. You can use a microwave or a pan on the stove. Heat it slowly, stirring often. This way, the rice warms up evenly without drying out. To freeze Spanish rice, pack it in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy your delicious Spanish rice anytime! The best rice for Spanish rice is long-grain white rice. This type cooks evenly and stays fluffy. You can also use medium-grain rice if you prefer a creamier texture. Avoid short-grain rice, as it can become too sticky. Yes, you can make Spanish rice ahead of time. Just cook it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. To make Spanish rice spicy, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also mix in some jalapeños or diced green chilies during cooking. For a smoky kick, try using chipotle powder instead. Adjust the spice to suit your taste! For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section above. This blog post covered all you need to make Spanish rice. We looked at key ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips to enhance your dish. I shared easy substitutions and variations to match your taste. Remember to store your leftovers properly for the best flavor. Spanish rice is versatile and rewarding. You can serve it as a side or a main dish. I hope you feel inspired to create your own yummy version! Enjoy cooking!

Spanish Rice

Elevate your meals with this Savory Spanish Rice recipe that bursts with flavor and is easy to make! Using simple ingredients like long-grain rice, fresh veggies, and spices, you'll create a hearty dish perfect as a side or main course. Discover tips for getting the perfect texture and delicious variations, including vegetarian options. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and transform your cooking today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (optional for authenticity)

1/2 cup frozen peas

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

      Add the rice to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the grains to toast slightly.

        Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and saffron, if using. Stir until the rice is well coated with spices.

          Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

            Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

              Once done, add the frozen peas to the rice, stir gently to incorporate, and cover for an additional 5 minutes to let the peas warm up.

                Fluff the rice with a fork and taste; season with salt and pepper if needed.

                  Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro on top for a vibrant finish.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4