Spanish Rice Recipe

Rinse the Rice

Begin by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced medium bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Add Tomatoes and Spices

Stir in 1 diced medium tomato, 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.

Combine Rice and Water

Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to combine. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer the Rice

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Fluff and Garnish

Remove from heat, let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and season with black pepper to taste. Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro before serving.