Simplest Spanish Rice

Simplest Spanish Rice Recipe from Spain - White Rice, Wild Rice, Rotel, and Spices

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spanish rice is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or main course. This recipe for Simplest Spanish Rice is easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this dish is sure to be a hit.

History

Spanish rice, also known as Mexican rice, is a popular dish that has its origins in Spanish cuisine. It is typically made with white rice, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices. The dish was brought to Mexico by Spanish settlers and has since become a staple in Mexican cuisine. Over the years, different variations of Spanish rice have emerged, each with its own unique twist.

Ingredients

1 cup white rice
0.5 cup wild rice
3 cups water
1 (10 oz (283 g)) can rotel, medium or hot
1 (10 oz (283 g)) can red enchilada sauce

Enchilada Sauce - only required if not using a canned sauce

2.25 cups hot water
1 (6 oz (170 g)) can tomato paste
2 tbsp margarine or butter
2 tbsp flour
5 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper

How to prepare

Heat the water until it reaches boiling point.
Add the Rotel and rice to the boiling water.
If you are using a homemade enchilada sauce, prepare it by combining all the ingredients in a medium bowl and mixing until the butter is melted.
Once most of the water is absorbed by the rice, reduce the heat and pour in the enchilada sauce.
Cover the pot and let it simmer until the rice is tender.

Variations

Add in cooked beans such as black beans or pinto beans for added protein and fiber.
Top the rice with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for a creamy and tangy twist.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming sticky.

- For a spicier dish, use hot Rotel and enchilada sauce.

- Feel free to add in additional vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Simplest Spanish Rice as a side dish with your favorite Mexican-inspired main course, such as tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or steak.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the rice on low heat to ensure that it cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors of the enchilada sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

- Substitute the Rotel with diced tomatoes and green chilies for a milder version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

This Simplest Spanish Rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the rice with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime juice for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this Simplest Spanish Rice with a side of guacamole, salsa, and tortilla chips for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

180

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 2g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 2g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 4%

- Vitamin C: 2%

- Calcium: 2%

- Iron: 4%

Alergens

Contains dairy (butter)

Summary

This Simplest Spanish Rice recipe is a good source of carbohydrates and provides essential vitamins and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

This Simplest Spanish Rice recipe is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Enjoy this dish on its own or as part of a larger Mexican-inspired meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for the Simplest Spanish Rice. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I flipped through the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out from between the pages, and on it was written the recipe for this delicious dish.

I had always been intrigued by Spanish cuisine, with its bold flavors and aromatic spices. I had tried my hand at making paella and gazpacho before, but I had never attempted to make Spanish rice. As I read through the recipe, I realized that it was incredibly simple and straightforward - just a few basic ingredients combined to create a flavorful and comforting dish.

The recipe called for pantry staples like rice, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, along with a few spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano. It seemed like a dish that was perfect for a weeknight meal, when I didn't have much time to spend in the kitchen but still wanted something delicious and satisfying.

I decided to give the recipe a try that very evening. I gathered all the ingredients together and set to work in the kitchen, chopping onions and garlic, sautéing them in a bit of olive oil until they were fragrant and golden brown. I added the rice and toasted it lightly, allowing it to absorb all the flavors of the onions and garlic.

Next, I added the diced tomatoes and their juices, along with a splash of chicken broth and a sprinkle of the spices. I let everything simmer together, the aroma of the spices filling the kitchen and making my mouth water in anticipation.

As the rice cooked, I couldn't help but sneak a taste. It was delicious - the perfect balance of savory and slightly spicy, with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes. I knew then that this recipe was a keeper, one that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

When the rice was done, I fluffed it with a fork and served it alongside some grilled chicken and a simple green salad. My family devoured it, each of us going back for seconds and even thirds. They couldn't believe that such a simple dish could be so flavorful and satisfying.

From that day on, the Simplest Spanish Rice became a regular feature on our dinner table. I would make it at least once a week, sometimes adding in extra vegetables or some cooked shrimp or chorizo to mix things up. But no matter how I tweaked the recipe, it always turned out delicious.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, each of them falling in love with the dish just as I had. It became a go-to recipe for potlucks and parties, always a crowd-pleaser and always disappearing quickly.

As I look back on that fateful day when I discovered the recipe for the Simplest Spanish Rice, I can't help but smile. It's amazing how a simple piece of paper tucked away in an old cookbook could lead to so much joy and deliciousness in my life.

And so, I continue to make this dish, each time remembering the feeling of curiosity and excitement that washed over me when I first found the recipe. It's a reminder of the power of simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, and how they can come together to create something truly magical.