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Spanish Brown Rice
Spanish Brown Rice, more commonly known as Mexican rice, has the nutty taste of brown rice combined with traditional spices like cumin. This Spanish Rice recipe makes the perfect side for so many different main dishes. Serve Spanish Brown Rice with salsa chicken, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, beans, corn, and so much more.
I’ve been making this Spanish rice for probably over a decade, and it’s something that is always on the dinner rotation. My personal favourite way of serving this is with my salsa chicken and a dollop of sour cream.
Key Ingredients
Brown rice: you can use any type of brown rice, and there are many different kinds. Short/medium/long grain, basmati, jasmine – there are many different types you can choose from. Keep in mind, the cook time will slightly vary depending on the specific type of rice you use so use the cook time on the package as a guideline.
Spices: salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, and bouillon are the typical spices used for Spanish rice. They are simple but result in delicious rice!
Tomato sauce: adds to the flavour and colour of the rice.
How to Make Spanish Brown Rice
Heat a pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then add rice. Mix until the rice is coated in the oil. Continue to mix until the rice is toasted and turns into a golden colour. This will take about 5-10 minutes. Be sure to continue to stir or the rice will burn.
Once toasted, add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, and bouillon cube and cook for another minute, continuing to mix.
Add tomato sauce and stir for 2 minutes.
Add water, stir, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover, reduce heat to low, and allow the rice to cook until the water has dried up and the rice has cooked through. This can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the specific type of rice you’re using.
It’s important that you do not mix the rice during this time, else you’ll end up with mushy rice. Once the rice is cooked through, remove from heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes before moving on to the next step.
Fluff the rice up using a fork and serve.
Tips for Making Brown Rice
- Use a ratio of 1:2 (rice to water) in order for the rice to be able to cook thoroughly.
- Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Do not remove the cover while cooking as the steam is needed to cook the rice thoroughly.
- Fluff the rice, don’t stir.
Here are some other recipes you might like: Salsa Chicken Bake, Chicken Zucchini Fritters, Oven Baked Potatoes and Onions
Spanish Brown Rice
Description
Spanish brown rice - made with fragrant spices and tangy tomatoes. Makes the perfect side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat medium-sized pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil.
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Add the brown rice to the pot and begin toasting until golden. Continue to stir while toasting. This will take about 5 to 10 minutes.
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Add the garlic, salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, and bouillon and cook for another 1 minute.
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Add tomato sauce and mix it in with the rice for a couple minutes.
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Add water, mix, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover, reduce heat to low and allow this to cook until the rice is tender and the liquid has dried. This can take 30-45 minutes, depending on the specific type of rice you use. Refrain from mixing the rice at all while it's cooking.
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Once the liquid has all dried up and the rice has cooked through, remove from heat and let the rice sit for 5-10 minutes. After this time, use a fork to fluff the rice up. Serve.
