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Easy & Authentic Fluffy Spanish Rice (Restaurant Style)

A close-up view of a mound of vibrant orange Spanish rice mixed with green peas served on a white plate.
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Make restaurant-style Spanish rice that is fluffy and flavorful using common pantry staples. This quick side dish is perfect for tacos, enchiladas, or any Tex-Mex meal.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan or pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the long-grain white rice to the hot oil. Stir constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the rice turns a light golden brown color. This step is key for fluffy rice.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  6. Bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. After 18 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. If using, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix.
  8. Keep the pot covered and let the rice steam off the heat for an additional 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  9. Fluff the Spanish rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • Toasting the rice until golden brown prevents the grains from sticking together and becoming mushy.
  • For a richer color, you can substitute 1/4 cup of the broth with water mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of tomato paste.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving for brightness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/easy-authentic-fluffy-spanish-rice-recipe/