Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal? Then look no further! This Goya Spanish Rice recipe is your answer. It's a classic for a reason – it's unbelievably versatile, incredibly tasty, and whips up in a flash. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend supper, this recipe is a staple in many households, and soon it will be in yours too! This recipe uses Goya products for authentic flavor, but feel free to substitute with your preferred brands. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can Goya Tomato Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Goya Adobo seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon saffron threads (optional, but adds a beautiful color and flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, Goya tomato sauce, rice, water (or broth), Adobo seasoning, cumin, and saffron threads (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Bring to a boil: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
-
Simmer and steam: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through. Do not lift the lid during cooking to allow the steam to cook the rice properly.
-
Fluff and serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Spanish Rice:
- Don't rinse the rice: Leaving the starch on the rice helps it absorb the liquid better, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of Adobo seasoning, cumin, and salt and pepper to your liking.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, ground beef, or chorizo to the rice while it's simmering.
- Make it vegetarian: Easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting any meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Spanish Rice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Mexican-inspired Spanish Rice: Include a teaspoon of chili powder and a diced jalapeño pepper along with the other vegetables.
- Seafood Spanish Rice: Stir in cooked shrimp, scallops, or crab meat during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 5-7 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50 grams
- Fat: Approximately 5-7 grams
This Goya Spanish Rice recipe is a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's a fantastic example of how easy and enjoyable homemade cooking can be, offering a healthy and flavorful option for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy experimenting with different variations to find your perfect recipe!