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Maryann Jacobsen

Independent Author & Family Nutrition Expert

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The Secret to No-Fail Spanish Rice [Recipe]

March 13, 2014

Spanish rice in a red bowl on the kitchen table
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I have attempted many times to make Spanish rice for my family, only to be left dissatisfied.  It wasn’t until I was testing recipes for Fearless Feeding (where the recipe is adapted from) that I learned the secret. Actually, four secrets.

The first is to sauté the rice in oil until it is lightly browned. This really increases the flavor.

saute rice and oil in a small pan

The second is to add broth instead of water to give it some oomph. You can also add tomato sauce and/or tomatoes. To give it that tomato-y flavor I add tomato paste.

added broth, water and tomato paste to pot of rice

The third is to NEVER EVER touch the rice once the heat is lowered and the lid is on.  Before I knew this, I used to go back, take the top off, and stir frequently during cooking.  Then I wondered why the rice never turned out.  I’m sure this is common cooking knowledge, but nobody told me!

rice and liquid covered for cooking

And lastly, even though I’m a whole grain girl at heart, white rice seems to work best in producing fluffy rice.

rice done looking fluffy with spatula

But the key is to experiment until you find the right combination of ingredients that works for you. We never eat this in one sitting so I freeze half of it for the next meal.  What goes into your Spanish rice?

Spanish Rice
 
Print
Prep time
5 mins
Cook time
35 mins
Total time
40 mins
 
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (check package on rice to adjust liquid as needed)
  • 1.5 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
  1. Over medium heat, saute rice in oil until lightly browned; add onion and saute 5 more minutes; add garlic and saute an additional minute.
  2. Add broth, tomato paste, and salt and bring to a boil mixing in all the ingredients.
  3. Turn down heat to low and cover for 25 minutes or until the rice absorbs the liquid.
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For more easy recipes and tips on how to serve meals to kids, check out Maryann’s book The Family Dinner Solution: How to Create a Rotation of Dinner Meals Your Family Will Love

The Family Dinner Solution book cover

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Categories: Family Meal Planning & Recipes, Family Style Recipes 4 Comments

« Family Meals: What Works, What Doesn’t, and How to Prioritize
Does Rewarding Kids to Eat Healthy Backfire? »

Comments

  1. Annmarie says

    March 14, 2014 at 9:18 am

    We use the same exact recipe and methods- EXCEPT, instead of tomato paste, I add some salsa (maybe a quarter cup? I rarely measure and ususally just toss in a few big spoonfuls!)

    Reply
    • Maryann Tomovich Jacobsen, MS, RD says

      March 19, 2014 at 11:47 am

      That’s a great idea! Will have to try it next time.

      Reply
  2. Michelle G says

    August 10, 2018 at 11:07 pm

    Saffron. That’s what goes into mine and it makes all the difference *yum*

    Reply
    • Debbie Rawls says

      October 22, 2019 at 1:29 pm

      A spice?

      Reply

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