The Best Spanish Rice
on Jul 15, 2024
Enjoy my quick and easy Spanish Rice—bursting with smoky fire-roasted tomatoes, vibrant bell peppers, and savory spices. Perfect for a fast, nutritious meal that’s ready in minutes!
Why I Love This Recipe
Hey there, fabulous foodies! It’s Chef AJ, your Queen of Quick and Easy, here to share one of my favorite go-to recipes: Flavorful Spanish Rice. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a nostalgic reminder of my childhood. My mother used to make a similar dish, and while this isn’t her exact recipe, it brings back those warm, comforting memories. Plus, I make it every week because it’s that good and versatile!
What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and depth of flavor. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create a delicious, hearty rice dish that pairs well with so many meals. Whether you serve it over greens, use it as a filling for tostadas and burritos, this Spanish Rice is perfect as a side dish or main course and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Key Ingredients
- Tomato Paste: Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor. It’s also a good source of vitamins A and C.
- Cooked Organic White Basmati Rice: Provides a fluffy, aromatic base for the dish. Basmati rice is known for its distinct flavor and texture.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños that brings brightness and a bit of spice. Pico de Gallo is packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
- Muir Glen Salt-Free Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Adds a smoky, rich tomato flavor without added sodium. Tomatoes are high in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
- Trader Joe’s Frozen Fire Roasted Bell Peppers and Onions: These add a smoky sweetness and a bit of crunch. Bell peppers are high in vitamin C and fiber.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth to the dish. Paprika is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and E.
- Mild Salt-Free Chili Powder: Adds a gentle heat and complex flavor without the sodium. Chili powder is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Chipotle Powder: Adds a smoky, spicy kick. Chipotle powder is a great source of vitamins A and C.
The Process
Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the tomato paste to the boiling water and stir until it dissolves completely. Next, stir in cooked organic white basmati rice, Pico de Gallo, fire-roasted tomatoes, fire-roasted bell peppers and onions, smoked paprika, chili powder, and chipotle powder. Mix everything until well combined.
Cook the mixture on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through, approximately 5 minutes. Serve the Spanish Rice over greens, as a tostada filling, or on its own. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle with Enlightened Faux Parmesan.
Chef’s Tips
- Take the remaining half of the tomato paste can and freeze it for future use.
- This Spanish Rice can be used as a filling for tostadas, burritos, or even as a topping for salads.
- Feel free to use brown rice or a combination of rice varieties for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use frozen organic packaged rice for convenience; each package typically contains 2 cups of rice.
- If you like it spicy, use Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles.
- If you can’t find fire-roasted peppers, use regular frozen bell peppers. You can also use packaged Pico de Gallo from the grocery store to save time.
How to Store Chef AJ’s Spanish Rice
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This dish also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Feel free to use brown rice or a combination of rice varieties for added nutrition and flavor.
Yes, this Spanish Rice freezes beautifully. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months.
Serving Suggestion
Enjoy this flavorful Spanish Rice over greens, as a filling for tostadas and burritos, or simply on its own. Top with your favorite garnishes like guacamole, plant-based sour cream, chopped scallions, or a squeeze of fresh lime.
Summary
This Spanish Rice is a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. With a rich blend of tomatoes, spices, and fire-roasted vegetables, it’s perfect for any meal.
If you tried this recipe, I’d love to see your results! Share your culinary creation on social media and tag me. As the Queen of Quick and Easy, nothing makes me happier than seeing how my convenient plant-based recipes inspire your kitchen adventures. Let’s celebrate the love of cooking and enjoy the deliciousness together!
Spanish Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 4 Tbsp tomato paste , 1/2 can
- 6 cups cooked rice, organic white basmati rice
- 4 cups Pico de Gallo, store bought or homemade
- 2 14.5 ounce cans Muir Glen salt-free fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 14 ounce bags Trader Joe's frozen fire roasted bell peppers and onions
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 Tbsp mild salt-free chili powder
- ½ tsp chipotle powder
- Enlightened Faux Parmesan, optional
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil.
- Add tomato paste to boiling water and stir until it dissolves completely.
- Add in remaining ingredients and stir until well mixed.
- Cook until heated through, approximately 5 minutes.
- Serve over greens, as tostada filling, or on its own.
- Optional: Sprinkle with Enlightened Faux Parmesan.
Hi Chef AJ,
Thank you for the wonderful, important work that you do. I will be ordering your new book, “Sweet Indulgence,” and I sincerely hope that you’ll make the New York Times list!
This recipe sounds absolutely delicious, but I tend to steer clear of rice. Could this be made with riced cauliflower instead? If so, should I use frozen, or would it be better to start with fresh, raw cauliflower?
Heartfelt wishes for your good health and happiness,
Kim
Hi Kim! I wouldn’t recommend riced cauliflower for this recipe but you could try a different grain. Enjoy!