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

A close-up shot of fluffy, reddish-orange spanish rice mixed with bright green peas and diced carrots in a white bowl.
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You can make this flavorful, fluffy Spanish rice, also known as Arroz Rojo, right in one pot. It is the perfect, quick side dish for tacos, enchiladas, or any Mexican fiesta meal.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the rice to the hot oil. Stir constantly and toast the rice for 5 to 7 minutes until it turns a light golden brown color. This step is key for fluffy Spanish rice.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot 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, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine everything.
  6. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat.
  7. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat but keep it covered for another 10 minutes to steam. This helps achieve that restaurant style rice texture.
  9. Gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix. The residual heat will warm them through.
  10. Fluff the Spanish rice gently with a fork before serving as a simple side dish.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
  • If you want a spicier kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder with the cumin and oregano.
  • Toasting the rice properly is the secret to authentic Mexican rice that does not get sticky.

Nutrition

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