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

A close-up of perfectly molded, flavorful Spanish rice mixed with bright green peas and diced carrots on a white plate.
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Make authentic, flavorful Spanish rice that is perfectly fluffy every time using this simple one-pot method. This Arroz Rojo recipe is the ideal 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 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 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 pot. Stir constantly and toast the rice for 5 to 7 minutes until the grains turn a light golden brown color. This step is key for fluffy Spanish rice.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion softens, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their liquid), broth, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer without lifting the lid for 18 minutes. Do not stir during this time.
  6. After 18 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. If using, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix.
  7. Keep the pot covered and let it stand off the heat for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and finish cooking.
  8. Fluff the Spanish rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • Toasting the rice properly is crucial for achieving a restaurant style, non-sticky texture. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
  • For a richer color, you can substitute 1 cup of the broth with 1 cup of tomato sauce, but reduce the amount of diced tomatoes slightly.
  • This recipe works well for weeknight rice meals because it is a true one-pot side dish.

Nutrition

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