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

A white bowl filled with vibrant orange Spanish rice mixed with bright green peas and diced carrots, sitting on a granite countertop.
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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 chopped yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the rice to the hot oil. Toast the rice, stirring frequently, for about 5 to 7 minutes until the grains turn a light golden brown. This step helps make your Spanish Rice fluffy.
  3. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until it softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, and salt. Stir everything together well.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. If using, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Keep the pot covered and let it rest for an additional 10 minutes off the heat.
  7. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving. Enjoy this flavorful rice side dish!

Notes

  • Toasting the rice is key for achieving that restaurant-style texture; do not rush this step.
  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
  • If you like a little heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder with the cumin and oregano.

Nutrition

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