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

Close-up of a generous serving of vibrant, orange-red Spanish rice mixed with vegetables on a white plate.
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You can make this flavorful, fluffy Spanish Rice (Arroz Rojo) in just one pot. It tastes just like your favorite Mexican restaurant side dish and is perfect for tacos or enchiladas.

Ingredients

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

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 for 5 to 7 minutes until the rice grains turn light golden brown. This toasting step is key for fluffy Spanish Rice.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  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, salt, cumin, and oregano. Stir well to combine everything.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This resting period helps the rice steam and become fluffy.
  9. Gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix (if using). The residual heat will warm them through.
  10. Fluff the Spanish Rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, Ethan suggests adding a small pinch of cinnamon when you add the cumin and oregano. It deepens the tomato flavor.
  • If you want a richer color, substitute 1/2 cup of the broth with 1/2 cup of water mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder.
  • Always use long-grain white rice for the best texture in this recipe.

Nutrition

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