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Flavorful Spanish Rice with Tomatoes

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A quick and easy Spanish rice recipe with tomatoes, garlic, and spices that delivers comforting, flavorful results perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (270 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) canned diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (720 ml), low-sodium preferred
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Finely chop 1 medium yellow onion and mince 3 garlic cloves. Drain canned diced tomatoes slightly if very watery.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice and stir frequently for 4–5 minutes until rice is light golden brown and smells nutty.
  3. Add chopped onion to the toasted rice and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Stir in 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Mix well and cook for about 2 minutes until mixture thickens slightly.
  5. Pour in 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth. Stir once, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Check rice after 18 minutes; if still firm and liquid remains, cook for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  7. Fluff rice with a fork. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Toast the rice first to develop a nutty flavor and prevent sogginess. Avoid lifting the lid during simmering to trap steam and cook rice evenly. Season at the end to avoid over-salting. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth. Brown rice can be used but requires longer cooking time (about 45 minutes) and more broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spanish rice, tomato rice, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, quick rice recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/flavorful-spanish-rice-with-tomatoes-recipe-for-easy-weeknight-dinners/