Spanish rice, also known as Mexican rice, is a delightful tomato-infused rice pilaf that bursts with flavors of garlic, onions, and savory spices. In this simple recipe, we'll show you how to make this delicious side dish effortlessly using a rice cooker. With minimal effort, you can have a flavorful accompaniment that pairs perfectly with a variety of Mexican main dishes. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups long-grain rice (e.g., jasmine rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or use low-sodium broth for a lighter option)
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes (including some of the juice)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Rice cooker (e.g., Easy Find Rice Cooker)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Rice: Begin by rinsing the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Drain it thoroughly, ensuring there's minimal residual water.
-
Combine Ingredients: In your rice cooker's inner pot, add the rinsed and drained rice. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (including the juice), minced garlic, diced onion, butter, and all the seasonings (chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano). Give everything a good stir to ensure even distribution of flavors.
-
Cook in the Rice Cooker: Place the inner pot into the rice cooker, then simply press the start switch and let the rice cooker work its magic.
-
Fluff and Serve: Once the rice cooker finishes its cycle, use a fork to gently fluff the rice. This helps release any excess moisture and ensures a light, fluffy texture.
-
Enjoy: Your Spanish rice is now ready to serve! It's a fantastic side dish for a variety of Mexican meals, such as tacos, grilled seafood, taquitos, enchiladas, and more.
Pro Tips:
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your spice preference. Feel free to make it spicier by adding more.
- Ensure thorough mixing of all ingredients in the pot to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they'll stay fresh for up to three days.
With this simplified Spanish rice recipe using a rice cooker, you'll have a delicious and versatile side dish that's perfect for any Mexican-inspired meal. Enjoy!