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Authentic One-Pot Spanish Rice with Tomato and Cumin

A plate of vibrant orange Spanish rice topped with fresh cilantro and two lime wedges on the side.
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Make restaurant-style Spanish Rice at home! This easy, one-pot recipe delivers fluffy, flavorful rice infused with tomato and aromatic spices like cumin. It is ready quickly and perfect as a side dish for tacos or enchiladas.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  3. Add the long-grain white rice to the pot. Toast the rice, stirring constantly, for 3 to 5 minutes until the edges of the grains look slightly translucent or lightly golden. This step is key for fluffy rice.
  4. Stir in the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring to coat the rice.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Stir everything together well.
  6. Bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and finish cooking.
  8. Remove the lid. Fluff the Spanish rice gently with a fork. Taste and add more salt if needed.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

  • Toasting the rice before adding liquid prevents gummy rice and develops a nutty flavor.
  • Use good quality broth for the best flavor in this simple recipe.
  • For a richer color, you can substitute 1/2 cup of the broth with water mixed with a pinch of saffron threads or a dash of paprika.

Nutrition

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