Easy Spanish Rice

Transform your ordinary rice into a flavor-packed Spanish masterpiece that’ll make your kitchen smell like a Mediterranean dream. This foolproof recipe creates perfectly fluffy, golden-hued rice with just the right balance of seasonings.

The secret to exceptional Spanish rice lies in the toasting step – it creates nutty, complex flavors that elevate this from a simple side dish to a crave-worthy creation. Plus, using homemade stock takes it from good to absolutely incredible.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 garlic clove, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
• 2 cups medium or long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian version)
• 1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste or 1 cup diced tomatoes, strained
• 1 pinch dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt

Steps

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add rice and stir to coat evenly with oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until rice turns golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning – you want toasted, not charred.
2. Add chopped onion to the browned rice. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring often, until onions begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. The onions should be translucent but not browned.
3. Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, bring stock to a simmer with tomato paste/tomatoes, oregano, and salt. Pro tip: Check your rice package – if it calls for a 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio, use 4 cups of stock instead of 3.
4. Combine the browned rice mixture with the simmering broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and cook for 15-25 minutes depending on your rice variety. Resist the urge to peek!
5. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the moisture to distribute evenly through the rice.
6. Fluff gently with a fork before serving. The rice should be tender but not mushy, with distinct grains and a beautiful golden color.

Smart Swaps

• Use brown rice for extra fiber (increase cooking time to 45 minutes)
• Swap chicken stock for vegetable stock for a vegetarian version
• Add 1/2 cup diced bell peppers with the onions for extra color and nutrition

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Replace white rice with cauliflower rice (reduces carbs by 30g per serving)
• Use brown rice (lowers glycemic impact by 20%)
• Add 1 cup of diced vegetables to increase fiber
• Recommended portion: 1/2 cup serving (15g net carbs)

Pro Tips

• Toast rice until it smells nutty for maximum flavor
• Let rice rest full 5 minutes before fluffing
• Use room temperature stock to prevent temperature shock
• Check rice doneness at 15 minutes – different varieties cook at different rates