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

Close-up of a white bowl filled with fluffy, orange-colored spanish rice mixed with bright green peas.
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Make restaurant-style Spanish Rice at home! This easy, one-pot recipe delivers fluffy, flavorful Arroz Rojo perfect for tacos or enchiladas.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the 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 pan and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well.
  6. Bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat immediately to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. If using, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots.
  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 properly gives you that signature restaurant-style texture. Watch it closely so it does not burn.
  • 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.

Nutrition

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