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

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

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 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 large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the long-grain white rice to the hot oil. Stir constantly 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 pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, cumin, and oregano. Stir everything together well.
  6. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat.
  7. 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.
  8. After 18 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. If using, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix.
  9. Keep the pot covered and let the rice steam off the heat for an additional 10 minutes. This helps the rice become perfectly fluffy.
  10. Fluff the Spanish Rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • Toasting the rice in oil before adding liquid is the secret to achieving that authentic, restaurant-style texture.
  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the cumin and oregano.
  • This is a great side dish for tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.

Nutrition

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