Description
Bring bold flavor to your table with this quick dinner side that’s both comforting and incredibly easy to prepare. This Easy Spanish Rice is a perfect blend of fluffy rice, rich tomato sauce, and warm spices, making it one of the best easy dinner ideas for busy nights or family meals. Whether you’re looking for simple food ideas, a healthy snack-sized portion, or a reliable side dish to pair with grilled meats or vegetables, this easy recipe delivers every time. It’s budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and packed with classic Mexican-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup bell peppers diced
1/4 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
1 lime cut into wedges
Instructions
1. Rinse the rice under cold water until clear and drain well.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onion until soft.
3. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
4. Stir in the rice and toast for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper and mix well.
6. Stir in bell peppers and cook for 1 minute.
7. Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, then mix thoroughly.
8. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
9. Add peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
10. Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
11. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Rinse the rice thoroughly to ensure fluffy, separated grains.
Toasting the rice before adding liquid enhances flavor and texture.
Let the rice rest after cooking to finish steaming and improve consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy dinner,easy recipe,food ideas,quick meal,spanish rice