instant rice spanish rice recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best instant rice spanish rice recipe

I have been a huge fan of this instant rice Spanish rice recipe for years, and it’s a staple in my household. Every time I serve it, my family loves it. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.

I like to think of it as a blank canvas for all the flavors and spices you can add to make it your own. When I’m short on time, I know I can rely on this recipe to deliver a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. The dish itself has its roots in Spanish cuisine, where rice is a staple ingredient.

This particular recipe is a simplified version of the traditional Spanish paella, made with saffron-infused rice, seafood, and vegetables. The instant rice version is much quicker to prepare and still captures the essence of the original dish. The combination of flavors and textures in this recipe is what makes it so appealing to me.

One of the key techniques in making this recipe is cooking the instant rice with chicken broth instead of water. This gives the dish a rich, savory flavor that’s hard to resist. I also like to add some diced tomatoes and spices to give it an extra boost of flavor.

The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Instant Rice Spanish Rice

4.9 from 1077 votes

A quick and easy Spanish rice made with instant rice, perfect for busy weeknights. This flavorful side dish comes together in minutes with pantry staples.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 220 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Rice

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup instant white rice
1 cup chicken broth or water
1 cup canned diced tomatoes with juices
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering.
2Add diced onion and green bell pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
3Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4Stir in instant rice, coating it with the oil and vegetables, and cook for 1 minute.
5Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices.
6Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, and stir to combine.
7Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
8Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 5 minutes.
9Remove from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
10Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
11The rice should be moist and separate, with a vibrant red color from the tomatoes and spices.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan with lid
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 220 kcal🧈Total Fat: 5g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 580mg🌾Total Carbs: 39g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For a spicier rice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeno with the onion. You can also substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Instant Rice Spanish Rice Works

This instant rice Spanish rice recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it is quick, flavorful, and uses ingredients you likely already have. It works perfectly for family gatherings since you can easily double or triple the recipe without extra effort.

I love that I can serve it alongside tacos, grilled chicken, or even as a filling for burritos. For storage, keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days.

To reheat, just add a little broth or water and warm it in the microwave or on the stove. You can also use leftover Spanish rice to stuff bell peppers or mix into a breakfast hash with eggs.

This recipe is versatile and dependable, making it a staple in my kitchen.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Rice Spanish Rice

Q1: What is the origin of Spanish rice?

Spanish rice has its roots in Spanish cuisine, where rice is a staple ingredient. The dish itself has its roots in paella, a traditional Spanish dish made with saffron-infused rice, seafood, and vegetables.

Q2: Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?

No, using regular rice will not produce the same results as using instant rice. Instant rice cooks much faster and absorbs flavors better than regular rice.

Q3: What are some common substitutions for chicken broth?

You can substitute chicken broth with beef or vegetable broth if you prefer. You can also use water if you don’t have any broth on hand.

Q4: Can I add protein to this recipe?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken, beef, or seafood to make this recipe more substantial.

Q5: How do I store leftover Spanish rice?

You can store leftover Spanish rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

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