Traditional Spanish Rice

Name: Traditional Spanish Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, finely chopped; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp saffron threads; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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Traditional Spanish Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings a taste of Spain right to your kitchen. With aromatic spices and fresh ingredients, it's a perfect side for any meal or a hearty main on its own. Let's dive in and create something truly special!

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Ingredients for Traditional Spanish Rice

Olive oil is the base for sautéing, providing a rich flavor and healthy fat. Onion and garlic form the aromatic foundation of the dish. The bell pepper adds sweetness and color. Long-grain white rice is ideal for absorbing the flavors while maintaining a fluffy texture. Chicken broth infuses the rice with a savory depth. Diced tomatoes add juiciness and a slight tang. The star of the show, smoked paprika, delivers a subtle smoky flavor, while saffron threads offer a unique aroma and beautiful golden color. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, and fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth if you have it on hand.
If you don’t have saffron, a pinch of turmeric can mimic the color, though the flavor will differ.
Make sure not to lift the lid during the simmering process to ensure perfectly cooked rice.
If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices.

Serving Suggestions

This Spanish Rice pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. It also complements a wide variety of tapas, making it a versatile addition to any table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and possibly the liquid amount as brown rice takes longer to cook.
What can I use if I don’t have smoked paprika?: Regular paprika can be used, though you’ll miss the smoky undertones. You might consider adding a dash of liquid smoke for a similar effect.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?: Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.

Traditional Spanish Rice Recipe Walkthrough

Start by warming up your kitchen with a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and let it shimmer. Toss in the onion and garlic, giving them a good stir. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, releasing a sweet aroma that fills the room — this should take about 3-4 minutes.

Next, introduce the bell pepper into the mix. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the pepper to soften slightly while keeping its vibrant color. Now, push aside any distractions and focus on the rice. Add the rice to the skillet. Stir it continuously, letting each grain get lightly browned and toasted, which will take about 2 minutes.

With the rice toasted, it’s time to bring in the liquids and seasonings. Stir in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and crumble in the saffron threads. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring this vibrant mixture to a boil, which should happen fairly quickly.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer undisturbed for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. After cooking, remove the skillet from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the rice to achieve the perfect texture.

To finish, fluff the rice gently with a fork, releasing any remaining steam and separating the grains. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the beautiful aroma and vibrant colors before digging in!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Rich in flavor thanks to smoked paprika and saffron.
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknights.
Uses simple, fresh ingredients you likely have on hand.
One-pot dish, making clean-up a breeze.
Great as a side or a standalone meal.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, finely chopped

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup diced tomatoes

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp saffron threads

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.

3. Stir in bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Add rice and cook, stirring constantly, until rice is lightly browned.

5. Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, saffron, salt, and pepper.

6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.