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

A close-up of a mound of vibrant orange spanish rice mixed with bright green peas and diced carrots on a white plate.
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Learn how to make authentic, restaurant-style Spanish Rice (Arroz Rojo) that is perfectly fluffy and flavorful. This simple one-pot recipe is quick enough for weeknights but tastes incredible alongside your favorite Mexican meals.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 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 medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the long-grain white rice to the pan. Toast the rice, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes until the grains turn light golden brown. This step is key for fluffy 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. Do not let the garlic burn.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce, broth, salt, cumin, and oregano. Stir everything together well.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. After 18 minutes, remove the pan from the heat. If using, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots.
  9. Keep the pan covered and let it rest off the heat for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and finish cooking perfectly.
  10. Fluff the Spanish rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • Toasting the rice properly creates a barrier that helps the grains stay separate, resulting in fluffy Spanish Rice.
  • For a richer flavor, use high-quality chicken broth instead of water.
  • If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.

Nutrition

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