Easy Spanish Rice (Arroz Rojo)

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1.5 tbsp chicken bouillon (granulated)
• 5 cup water
• 16 oz tomato sauce (two 8oz cans)
• 1 jalapeño (stem removed and sliced in half; use 2 for more flavor)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium to medium-high heat.

2. 2

   Add 3 tablespoons of oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, add 2 cups of rice.

3. 3

   Stir the rice to ensure it is well coated in the oil. Toast the rice, stirring continuously, for about 7 to 8 minutes until it reaches a deep golden amber color.

4. 4

   While the rice is toasting, measure out the garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, oregano, and chicken bouillon into a small bowl and set aside.

5. 5

   Slowly add 5 cups of water to the toasted rice. Be careful as it will bubble up vigorously.

6. 6

   Add the measured spice mix and the two 8oz cans of tomato sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine.

7. 7

   Increase the heat to medium and bring the liquid to a simmer.

8. 8

   Once simmering, place the halved jalapeño(s) on top of the rice mixture.

9. 9

   Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes. CRITICAL: Do not open the lid during this time.

10. 10

    After 10 minutes, lower the heat to low and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Again, do not open the lid.

11. 11

    Remove the pan from the heat. Let the rice rest, still covered, for 5 minutes to allow the grains to plump up.

12. 12

    Remove the lid, discard the jalapeño if desired, and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Notes

The jalapeño is added for flavor rather than heat; slicing it in half allows the aromatics to infuse the rice without making it spicy. The most important part of this recipe is toasting the rice until it is a dark golden brown and resisting the urge to open the lid during the steaming process.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• side dish
• Mexican
• Tex-Mex
• rice
• easy dinner
• one-pan