This is such a tasty homemade Spanish rice recipe. I get asked all the time for this recipe, and you will too.
I have always wondered what the difference was between Spanish rice and Mexican rice. After a little bit of research, I found what I was looking for.
Spanish rice is a dish made from white rice, tomatoes, garlic, onions, parsley, cilantro and other ingredients.
One common preparation is to sauté the rice until golden brown and cook it in chicken broth. Vegetables such as peas, carrots, or corn may also be used depending on the recipe.
Mexican rice is white rice roasted in a skillet with garlic and onions until light brown, then steamed or simmered with red chile/enchilada sauce and chicken stock.
It is used not only as a side dish alongside entrees, but often as a major ingredient in burritos. It is sometimes confused with Spanish rice, but is a very similar dish. Mexican rice is more of a red chile rice dish, while Spanish rice is more of a tomato based dish. From http://www.spanishlatinamerican.com
The secret to great tasting rice is using chicken broth instead of water, and homemade chili powder. I have also included a wonderful recipe for Mexican rice below.
HOMEMADE MEXICAN RICE RECIPE
2 TBS oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1 cup raw white rice
2-1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup fresh salsa
Heat oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
Mix rice into skillet, stirring often. When rice begins to brown, stir in chicken broth and salsa and bring the rice to a full rolling boil.
Reduce heat to low and put the lid on or cover with foil to make it tighter if necessary. Don’t peek while the rice it cooking. After 20 to minutes move it off the heat and let it rest another 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe note: You may also use a 4 oz can of tomato paste (mix in with the chicken stock) if you do not have the salsa.
You may add 1/2 teaspoon of taco seasoning or cumin for spice. Sometimes I add a sprinkling of chipolte powder for a kick.
Serve topped with chopped cilantro (and sour cream); enjoy.
Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe
HOMEMADE SPANISH RICE RECIPE
2 TBS vegetable oil
1 tsp butter
1 cup raw white rice
1/2 cup onion, chopped
3/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup fresh tomato, chopped
2 tsp homemade chili powder
1 tsp salt
Heat the oil and butter in a heavy skillet over medium. Saute the raw rice, onion and bell pepper until rice is browned and onions are translucent.
Add the chicken broth and tomatoes. Season with the salt and chili powder. Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
For the Paella Inspired Spanish Rice:
Topping
red bell pepper, sliced in small strips
frozen green peas
pieces of cooked chicken
small shrimp
cilantro
Use the ingredients listed above for the topping – use as much as you want. You can even season the toppings with taco seasoning.
Saute pepper and peas first, then add shrimp and cook for a couple minutes until done. Drizzle the top with a little olive oil, and serve.
Luscious Mexican Dessert Recipes
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Homemade Taco Sauce
Authentic Enchilada Sauce Recipe