Tired of the same old boring rice? Craving a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that packs a punch? Then look no further! This easy spicy rice recipe is your answer. It's a fantastic option for busy weeknights, requiring minimal ingredients and effort while delivering maximum flavor. Perfect for both beginners in the kitchen and experienced cooks looking for a simple yet impressive dish, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped (or 1/2 cup frozen chopped peppers)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes, until slightly tender. Add the jalapeño and cook for 1 minute more, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Toast the rice: Add the rice to the saucepan and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the rice.
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Add the spices: Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, stirring continuously, until fragrant.
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Simmer the rice: Pour in the vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper to taste, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through.
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Fluff and serve: Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper to control the spiciness. For a milder dish, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or black beans for a more substantial meal.
- Veggie Power-Up: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or carrots.
- Different Rice: You can substitute long-grain brown rice, but cooking time might need to be adjusted accordingly (refer to package instructions).
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lime zest along with the spices for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Protein: Approximately 5-7 grams Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50 grams Fiber: Approximately 2-3 grams
This easy spicy rice recipe is a perfect example of healthy meals that are also quick dinner ideas. Homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated; this recipe proves that delicious dishes can be made with minimal effort. Enjoy!