Fiesta Rice Easy Authentic Spanish Mexican Rice
Fiesta Rice: Easy & Authentic Spanish (Mexican) Rice
Fancy some Restaurant Style Mexican Rice ? Honestly, who doesn't? This Easy Spanish Rice, also called Mexican Rice, is your new best friend.
It’s proper simple, tastes amazing, and goes with just about everything. Think of it as the ultimate culinary wingman.
Quick Hook: From Our Kitchen to Yours
Ever wondered how to make that Fluffy Spanish Rice you get at your favorite Mexican joint? This recipe is the answer! It’s bursting with tomato flavour and a hint of spice.
Minute Rice Spanish Rice Easy has never been easier!
Overview of This Authentic Spanish Rice Dish
This recipe’s roots are in Mexican cuisine. This humble dish is served everywhere from street food stalls to fancy restaurants.
Don't be intimidated! It's an Easy Mexican Rice Recipe , even a beginner can nail it. Prep takes only 10 minutes, cooking is 25, so it’s ready in just over half an hour.
It makes about 6 servings perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering of mates.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe is packed with flavour and perfect with Taco Side Dishes . Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies! Serve it with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal.
What makes this recipe so special? It's simple, adaptable, and tastes like a warm hug on a plate. This Spanish Rice Recipe is your go-to side.
Time to Gather the Bits and Pieces
Right, let’s get all our bits and bobs together. You'll need some olive oil, an onion, garlic, rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and spices. Simple, yeah?
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Authentic Spanish Rice Dish
Ready to make some proper Easy Spanish Rice, also called Mexican Rice? It's easier than you think. Let’s get down to the nitty gritty.
These are the bits and bobs you'll need. I've made this so many times I could practically do it with my eyes closed.
But, you know, safety first.
Main Ingredients Sorted!
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) the base of our flavour.
- Yellow onion: 1 small , finely chopped (about ½ cup / 75g ). Don't skimp on the chopping!
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 1 teaspoon / 5g) because garlic makes everything better, right?
- Long grain white rice: 1 cup , rinsed (about 180g / 6.5oz ) rinsing is key to fluffy rice.
- Chicken broth: 2 cups (475 ml / 16 fl oz ). You could use vegetable broth too.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained ( 411g ). Don't drain them; that juice is liquid gold!
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) for that bit of warmth.
- Ground cumin: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) a must for authentic flavour.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml), or to taste. Seasoning is king!
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1 ml), or to taste. Freshly ground is always best, innit?
- Optional: chopped fresh cilantro.
Quality indicators? For the tomatoes, go for a decent brand. It makes a difference. Same with the broth proper chicken broth will always taste better than the cheap stuff, honestly.
Seasoning Notes Flavour Power!
Essential spice combinations? Chili powder and cumin, definitely. They are what makes it Mexican Fried Rice and give it that Restaurant Style Mexican Rice flavour.
For flavour enhancers, a tiny pinch of smoked paprika can be a game changer. It gives a little depth. A bay leaf simmering while cooking gives a distinct, rich flavour, elevating the Homemade Spanish Rice to something really special!
Can't find cumin? A little smoked paprika works too. And chili powder, a teaspoon of paprika or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
Equipment Needed Keep It Simple!
You'll need a medium saucepan with a tight fitting lid. That lid is crucial. Also, measuring cups and spoons. Don’t try and wing it unless you're feeling brave, eh?
A common household alternative to a saucepan is a dutch oven.
That's it! Now you're all set to make some Fluffy Spanish Rice , perfect alongside your Taco Side Dishes , or any Spanish Rice Recipe with Tomato.
The aim is perfection, and a taste of home!
Fiesta Rice: Easy & Authentic Spanish (Mexican) Rice
Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate? This Easy Spanish Rice, also called Mexican Rice by some, is your ticket! Think fluffy, flavourful rice that's dead easy to make.
Honestly, it's one of those dishes that always goes down a treat. It’s a great Taco Side Dishes and the perfect complement for any Mexican Fried Rice night.
This Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is ready in about 35 minutes. It might even rival your favourite takeaway. Let's get started on this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe .
Prep Like a Pro for Authentic Spanish Rice Dish
Before we even turn on the hob, let's get organised. First, chop your onion and mince the garlic. Next, measure out your rice, broth, and spices.
Got it? Now, give that rice a good rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Trust me; rinsing is key for Fluffy Spanish Rice.
This step washes away extra starch!
Five Steps to Spanish Rice Heaven
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion for 5 minutes , until soft. Add garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add rinsed rice; cook, stirring, for 3- 4 minutes , until toasted. This boosts the flavour!
- Pour in chicken broth, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 20 minutes , until liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid!
- Remove from heat; let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes . Fluff with a fork and serve. Garnish with cilantro if you like.
Pro Tips for Homemade Spanish Rice
Want to take your rice to the next level? Toasting the rice brings out a nutty flavour. Don't rush this step.
A common mistake is lifting the lid too early while simmering. Resist the urge! For a richer flavour of Spanish Rice with Tomato , try adding a tablespoon of tomato paste with the diced tomatoes.
Recipe Notes
Alright, let's talk about making this Easy Spanish Rice, also called Mexican Rice, absolutely perfect. This ain't rocket science, but a few extra tips will elevate your Authentic Spanish Rice Dish to restaurant quality.
Honestly, after trying this method, you'll ditch that Minute Rice Spanish Rice Easy business for good!
Serving Suggestions: Plating & Perfect Partners
Wanna make your Fiesta Rice look proper fancy? Mounding it nicely on a plate works. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro does wonders.
This Spanish Rice Recipe goes great with pretty much anything Mexican. Think tacos, burritos, even a cracking chili con carne! This makes it an ideal Taco Side Dishes .
A dollop of sour cream? Oh my gosh, yes! Don't forget a lime wedge for that extra zing. If you're going all out, try this Mexican Fried Rice with some grilled chicken or prawns.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! Pop that Restaurant Style Mexican Rice into an airtight container. It'll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Want to freeze it? Go for it! Just let it cool completely first. Then, portion it out into freezer bags or containers.
It'll be good for up to 2 months. Reheating is a doddle. Microwave it with a splash of water. Alternatively, warm it up in a pan on the hob.
Just add a bit of liquid to prevent it from drying out.
Variations: Swaps & Tweaks
Fancy a bit of a change? No problem! For a veggie version, just use vegetable broth. I often do that! And to cut out some of the prep, consider my Easy Mexican Rice Recipe by using canned tomatoes.
Want a bit more heat? Chuck in a finely chopped jalapeno for a proper kick. Fluffy Spanish Rice is great, but also consider trying Homemade Spanish Rice without the tomato, or using Spanish Rice with Tomato with extra.
I love adding bell peppers for colour and flavour.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Grain
Each serving of this rice clocks in at about 180 calories. It’s got a bit of protein (around 5g), a small amount of fat (3g), and a good chunk of carbs (32g).
Also some sodium too! Rice is also naturally gluten-free. This makes it a fab option for those with gluten intolerance.
Just be mindful of the sodium content in your broth.
This is such a delicious and versatile recipe that I make it for everything from a quick weeknight meal to a weekend barbecue.
I hope you have fun making it, too! Remember, there are no mistakes, only flavour experiments!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to getting perfectly fluffy Easy Spanish Rice, also called Mexican Rice? I always seem to end up with mush!
The key is rinsing the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, and resist the urge to peek while it simmers. Keeping that lid firmly on locks in the steam, ensuring the rice cooks evenly.
Also, toasting the rice in the oil before adding liquid gives it a nutty flavor and helps each grain stay separate, like the perfect chips!
Can I make Easy Spanish Rice, also called Mexican Rice, ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cooked Spanish rice is great for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
You can reheat it in the microwave or in a pan with a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out, just like leftovers from your favorite curry house.
I'm vegetarian. Can I still make this recipe?
Of course! Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth, easy peasy. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegetarian friendly, making it a versatile dish for everyone to enjoy, no matter their dietary preferences.
Any ideas on how to jazz up my Easy Spanish Rice, also called Mexican Rice, to make it a bit more exciting?
Loads of ways, mate! For a bit of a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the onions. A tablespoon or two of tomato paste will deepen the tomato flavour.
And don't be shy with the garnishes fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of sour cream can really elevate the dish, it's all about the details, innit?
How can I store leftover Easy Spanish Rice? Is it safe to eat the next day?
Yes, leftover Easy Spanish Rice is perfectly safe to eat the next day (or even a couple of days after that!) provided you store it properly. Make sure to cool it down quickly after cooking, and then refrigerate it in an airtight container. Aim to eat it within 3-4 days for the best quality and safety.
Is Easy Spanish Rice healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
This rice dish can be part of a balanced diet. It provides carbohydrates for energy and some protein. To make it even healthier, use brown rice instead of white, and load up on the veggies!
Be mindful of the sodium content in your broth and adjust the added salt accordingly nobody wants a salt overload, do they?
Fiesta Rice Easy Authentic Spanish Mexican Rice
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 180 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
