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The BEST Easy One-Pot Spanish Rice | Authentic Mexican Side Dish

A white bowl overflowing with hot, steaming spanish rice mixed with bright green peas and diced carrots.
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Make authentic, flavorful Spanish Rice (Arroz Rojo) easily in one pot. This recipe yields fluffy, perfectly seasoned rice ideal for tacos, enchiladas, or any Mexican meal.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the long-grain white rice to the pan. Toast the rice, stirring often, for 5 to 7 minutes until the grains turn light golden brown. This step is key for fluffy rice.
  3. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce, broth, cumin, oregano, and salt. Stir well to combine everything.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this resting period.
  9. After resting, gently fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix if using. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Toasting the rice properly creates a barrier that helps the grains stay separate and fluffy.
  • Use low-sodium broth if you are watching your sodium intake.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute 1/2 cup of the broth with water mixed with 1/4 teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder.

Nutrition

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