Side Of Spanish Rice Recipe

Preparation and Cooking

1. 1

   Rinse the Rice

   Begin by rinsing the long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming too sticky.

2. 2

   Sauté Vegetables

   In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and diced green bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.

3. 3

   Add Spices

   Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the spices with the vegetables for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. 4

   Combine Rice and Broth

   Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat the rice with the oil and spices. Then, pour in the vegetable broth and add the tomato paste, mixing well to combine all ingredients.

5. 5

   Cook the Rice

   Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.

6. 6

   Add Peas and Cilantro

   Once the rice is cooked, stir in the frozen peas and chopped fresh cilantro. Cover and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes to allow the peas to heat through.

7. 7

   Fluff and Serve

   Using a fork, fluff the rice gently to separate the grains. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve warm as a side dish.