Best 2 Easy Authentic Spanish Rice Recipes

Spanish rice, a classic dish bursting with vibrant flavors and colors, is a culinary treasure that transports you to the heart of Spain. Its origins can be traced back to the vibrant streets of Valencia, where it is known as "paella", a dish that embodies the essence of Spanish cuisine. Our journey into the world of easy authentic Spanish rice begins with a quest for the perfect recipe, one that captures the spirit of traditional flavors while accommodating the modern-day home cook's need for simplicity and convenience. Through careful exploration and experimentation, we will uncover the secrets of creating an exceptional Spanish rice dish, one that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

EASY AUTHENTIC SPANISH RICE

Easy Authentic Spanish Rice image

My family loves a variety of ethnic foods, but this is one of their favorites. My niece, who is of Spanish descent, lives with us and has tweaked my old Spanish rice recipe to make it just like her grandma's. My mother-in-law has also added this recipe to her school meals menu (minus the jalapeno), and it is a hit with the students and faculty.

Provided by Megan

Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes Spanish Rice Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

6 tablespoons butter
2 onions, chopped
2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
2 (14.5 ounce) cans Mexican-style diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup uncooked white rice
salt and ground black pepper to taste
½ cup sour cream, or as desired
½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese, or as desired

Steps:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook and stir onions and jalapeno peppers in the butter until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir Mexican-style tomatoes into onion mixture; add rice, salt, and black pepper. Bring rice mixture to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked, 40 to 45 minutes. Garnish with sour cream and Cheddar cheese to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 253 calories, Carbohydrate 26.7 g, Cholesterol 36.6 mg, Fat 14.3 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 5.2 g, SaturatedFat 8.9 g, Sodium 521.7 mg, Sugar 1.4 g

EASY AUTHENTIC SPANISH RICE

Easy Authentic Spanish Rice image

Tonight was our Spanish or Mexican food night. My niece, who is part Spanish & Mexican, has lived with us for about 4 years now. She is from Texas, & her Pita is Spanish. Dominique misses her Pita's cooking. So we have adapted at least a night a week that we prepare food from her nationality. It is a learning process for me, as...

Provided by Megan Todd

Categories Rice Sides

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

6 Tbsp butter
2 large spanish onions
1 large yellow bell pepper
2 jalapeno peppers (optional)
2 clove garlic, minced
2- 10 oz cans petite mexican spanish style diced tomatoes, undrained (if you want spicy) or
2- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes basil, oregano flavored for less spicy dish (do not use if using spanish style tomatoes)
1/2 Tbsp oregano, dried
1/2 Tbsp parsley flakes
1 c water, warm
1 c white rice, (can use brown rice if you chose)
salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
sour cream, for topping (optional)
shredded cheese, for topping (optional)

Steps:

1. In a large, deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, jalapenos, yellow peppers, & minced garlic, cook until onions are tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add 2 cans of tomatoes, either Petite Mexican Style (if you want heat, spicy), or 2 cans of Diced oregano, basil tomatoes (if you want less heat & more sweet). Stir into onion mixture.
3. Add rice, salt & Pepper, oregano, parsley, and water. mix into tomato mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
4. Serve with sour cream and shredded cheese with your favorite Mexican or Spanish dish!

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients, especially the rice. Medium or short-grain rice varieties like Valencia or Bomba are traditional choices known for their ability to absorb and hold flavors.
Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove any starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky or clumpy.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot or pan to cook the rice evenly and prevent scorching.
Follow the liquid-to-rice ratio specified in the recipe. This will ensure that the rice cooks properly and has the right consistency.
Add aromatics like garlic, onion, and bell peppers to the rice for extra flavor. You can also use herbs like saffron, paprika, or cumin.
Let the rice rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow it to absorb all the flavors and become fluffy.

Conclusion:

Authentic Spanish rice is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish to a variety of main courses. With its vibrant color, aromatic spices, and tender texture, it's a true culinary delight that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Spain. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these authentic Spanish rice recipes provide a delicious and authentic taste of this classic dish. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and embark on a culinary journey to savor the authentic flavors of Spain!