International > Spanish

Spicy Spanish Rice Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large saucepan with lid
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
4. Add the red bell pepper and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper and stir well.
6. Add the rice and stir to coat with the spices.
7. Add the diced tomatoes and water and stir well.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid.
9. Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
10. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
11. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped cilantro.
12. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for sautéing, low heat for simmering
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 180
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 240mg
Fiber: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use brown rice instead of long-grain rice, but the cooking time will be longer.
- You can use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.
- You can use diced canned tomatoes with green chilies for extra spice.

Variations:
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal.
- Add frozen peas, corn, or green beans for extra vegetables.
- Use different spices, such as chili powder or oregano, for a different flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the rice to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- Let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking to allow it to absorb any remaining liquid.

Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat leftover rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the rice in a colorful bowl or on a platter with fresh cilantro leaves on top.

Garnishes:
- Top the rice with sliced avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese.

Pairings:
- Serve the rice with grilled chicken, fish, or steak.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Serve the rice with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the rice is still crunchy after the cooking time, add a splash of water and continue cooking until tender.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the rice to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria.

Food History:
- Spanish rice is a popular dish in Mexican cuisine, but it is not actually from Spain. It is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 1900s.

Flavor Profiles:
- This spicy Spanish rice has a smoky, slightly sweet flavor from the smoked paprika and red bell pepper, with a kick of heat from the cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the rice as a side dish or as a main course with additional protein and vegetables.

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Region: Spanish

Taste: Spicy, Savory, Herbal, Aromatic, Smoky