Enjoy this simple and delicious Spanish Rice, a classic Mexican dish made with long grain rice and a rich tomato seasoning. Perfect with chicken, steak, or fish, it's a popular choice for a flavorful lunch or dinner.
In a blender, combine the onion, garlic, tomato, anote, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, and water.
Blend all the ingredients together until they form a smooth puree. Once blended, remove from the blender and set aside for later use.
To Prepare Mexican Rice (Spanish Rice)
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and add the rice. Stir continuously until the rice becomes aromatic and turns a pale, light yellow color.
Pour in the prepared tomato seasoning mix and stir well to combine.
Add water and salt, mixing thoroughly.
Let the rice cook until it's about 70% done.
Add the serrano peppers and stir them into the rice.
Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for 15 minutes on low heat.
After 15 minutes, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Your delicious Mexican Rice is now ready to be served and enjoyed.
To Serve
Enjoy this delectable Mexican or Spanish Rice alongside your preferred side dish for a fulfilling lunch or dinner. Explore our serving suggestions section for additional pairing options.
Notes
Here are some tips to elevate your Spanish Rice, crafted to enhance both taste and presentation:
Tips for Perfect Spanish Rice:
Taste and Flavor: Use annatto and cumin powder for their unique contributions; annatto for its slightly peppery, nutty flavor, and cumin for its warm, earthy aroma. These spices are crucial for capturing the essence of Mexican cuisine.
Extra Flavor: Switching to chicken broth instead of water enhances the rice with a rich, savory depth. It's a simple swap that makes a significant difference in the overall taste.
Rice Selection: Choose long grain rice, like Basmati or Jasmine, for their ability to cook up fluffy and less sticky. This ensures each grain remains distinct and absorbs the flavors well.
Fluffy Rice: Lightly roasting the rice in a bit of oil before adding liquid helps each grain to develop a slightly nutty flavor and ensures a fluffy, non-sticky texture upon cooking.
Rich Color: Adding tomato paste or tomato bouillon not only provides a vibrant red color but also deepens the tomato flavor, giving the rice a more robust and appealing appearance.
Spice Level: Serrano peppers bring a bright, fresh heat. You can adjust the quantity or even remove the seeds to control the spiciness, catering to different heat preferences.
Additional Toppings: Toppings like fresh onions, cilantro, and tomatoes add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. Creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, or melted cheese can elevate the dish with added textures and flavors.
Vegan-Friendly & Customizable: The base recipe is vegan, making it versatile for various dietary preferences. It's easy to add in proteins like tofu, tempeh, or your favorite vegetables to diversify the dish.
Variations:
Alternative Grains: Experimenting with brown rice, quinoa, or couscous offers not only a change in flavor and texture but also nutritional benefits.
With Chicken: Incorporating chicken, either roasted or shredded, adds a protein boost and makes the dish more substantial.
Beans Addition: Beans, like black or pinto, can be added for extra protein and fiber, giving the dish a heartier feel typical of restaurant-style Spanish Rice.
Cooking Tips:
Rinse Rice: Rinsing rice removes excess starch, preventing clumping and resulting in grains that are more distinct.
Resting Time: Allowing the rice to rest after cooking lets the grains absorb any remaining steam and settle, which helps in enhancing the flavors and texture.
Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end introduces a burst of freshness, brightening the dish.
Using Leftovers: Leftover rice can be creatively used in other dishes like stuffed peppers, omelets, or as a base for a cold rice salad.