Flavorful Spanish Rice for Under $10 (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

Spice up your dinner table without breaking the bank with this easy and flavorful Spanish Rice recipe! This dish is bursting with vibrant aromatics from onions, bell peppers, and a symphony of warm spices, all for under $10. It’s the perfect side dish to elevate any Mexican-inspired meal, or can even be a hearty vegetarian main course on its own.

Ready to impress your taste buds with a budget-friendly fiesta? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil: Get the party started with a healthy fat.
• 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice: The base for all that delicious flavor.
• 1/2 cup Chopped Onion: Diced for even distribution of taste.
• 1/2 cup Chopped Green Bell Pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced: Aromatic magic!
• 1 (3/4 cup) can Chicken Broth: Low-sodium is a good option.
• 1 cup Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes work too!
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin: Earthy and warm.
• 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder: For a touch of heat.
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika: Smoky depth of flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt: To taste, of course!
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: A touch of peppery bite.
• Optional: 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro: A pop of freshness for garnish.

Instructions:

1. Heat Up the Party (2 minutes): In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

2. Toast the Rice (5 minutes): Add the rice to the hot oil and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly browned. This toasting step adds a nutty flavor to the finished dish.

3. Sautéing the Flavor Builders (3-4 minutes): Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pan with the toasted rice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent. Don’t forget to release those delicious aromatics from the vegetables!

4. Spice Up Your Life (1 minute): Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

5. Liquid Gold (1 minute): Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine all the ingredients.

6. The Flavor Symphony (1 minute): Now it’s time for the spices! Add the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the mixture.

7. Simmering to Perfection (20-25 minutes): Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.

8. Fluff & Serve (5 minutes): Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and fluff up nicely. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

9. Fiesta Time! (Optional): Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness, if desired.

Total Cooking Time: This recipe should take approximately 30 minutes to complete, with most of the time being the simmering step for the rice to cook through perfectly.

Enjoy your homemade Spanish Rice! This flavorful and budget-friendly dish is sure to become a family favorite.