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Easy Fluffy Spanish Rice (Arroz Rojo)

A close-up serving of fluffy, orange-colored Spanish rice mixed with bright green peas and diced carrots on a white plate.
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Make authentic, flavorful, and fluffy Spanish rice in one pot. This recipe is quick and perfect as a side dish for your favorite Mexican meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the uncooked rice to the hot oil. Stir constantly for 3 to 5 minutes until the rice grains turn light golden brown. This step helps keep the rice fluffy.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
  6. Add the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. If using, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  9. Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this resting time.
  10. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth.
  • To achieve restaurant-style color, use a small amount of tomato paste mixed with the tomato sauce.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the spices.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/easy-fluffy-spanish-rice-arroz-rojo/