Description
Spanish Rice is a warm, comforting dish bursting with vibrant flavors, combining simple pantry staples into a delicious, colorful side or main course. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful and aromatic recipe features long-grain white rice toasted to perfection and simmered with diced tomatoes, smoky spices, and a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural). Garnished with fresh cilantro, it brings zest and heartiness to any meal, easily adaptable and plant-based friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Variations
- Chopped jalapeños or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers, corn, or peas (vegetable boost)
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or plant-based sausage (protein addition)
- Fresh oregano or parsley instead of cilantro (herb variation)
- Shredded plant-based cheese (for cheesy flavor)
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes, to build the savory base.
- Step 2: Toast the Rice – Add the long-grain white rice to the skillet. Stir frequently for 3 to 4 minutes until the grains are slightly golden for a nutty depth and enhanced texture.
- Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings – Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), smoked paprika, cumin, and apple cider vinegar (natural). Stir well to coat the rice evenly with all flavors.
- Step 4: Simmer Until Tender – Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid too often to retain steam.
- Step 5: Fluff and Garnish – Remove from heat. Gently fluff the rice with a fork, separating the grains. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro before serving to add a fresh herbal finish.
Notes
- Use long-grain white rice for the best fluffy texture.
- Toast the rice thoroughly to bring out the best aroma and flavor.
- Control the amount of vegetable broth to prevent mushy rice.
- Simmer on low heat to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Spanish Rice, vegan rice recipe, plant-based side dish, quick dinner, gluten free rice
