Description
Quick and tasty Spanish Rice with a rich tomato base, fragrant spices, and fresh vegetables. Perfect as a side or a hearty plant-based main, this recipe is easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup corn, peas, or diced zucchini (veggie boost)
- 1 small jalapeño, chopped or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (spicy kick)
- 1 cup black beans, chickpeas, or sautéed shrimp (protein power)
- Fresh oregano, parsley, or basil instead of cilantro (herb variations)
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (natural) instead of tomato paste (tomato twist)
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers. Stir often until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. - Step 2: Toast the Rice
Add the rice to the skillet and stir continuously. Toast the grains lightly with the vegetables to deepen flavor and improve texture. - Step 3: Add Spices and Tomato Paste
Mix in ground cumin and smoked paprika, then stir in the tomato paste (or crushed tomatoes if using the variation). This builds the vibrant flavor and color. - Step 4: Pour in Broth and Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce
Pour vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce into the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer to allow the rice to absorb the flavors. - Step 5: Cook Until Tender
Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cook for 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender yet fluffy. - Step 6: Stir in the Natural Gelling Agent and Cilantro
Off the heat, gently fold in the natural gelling agent to bind the mixture, then sprinkle fresh cilantro for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Rinse rice under cold water to remove starch for fluffier texture.
- Maintain a gentle simmer to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
- Use a wide pan for even cooking without clumping.
- Do not lift the lid or stir the rice until fully cooked to keep grains tender.
- Adjust salt and spices after cooking to balance flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Spanish Rice, plant-based, vegan, quick rice recipe, gluten free, sautéed rice, tomato rice
