Veggie-Packed Spanish Rice

User Reviews

4.7

66 reviews
Excellent

Veggie-Packed Spanish Rice

Veggie-Packed Spanish Rice is a flavorful rice dish combining diced onion, green bell pepper, carrot, and aromatic garlic with tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. The rice is toasted before simmering in vegetable broth with corn, peas, and a blend of cumin, chili powder, and salt. The final fluffy rice is garnished with fresh cilantro for brightness, adding both texture and color to the hearty vegetable-infused grain side dish.

Description

Veggie-Packed Spanish Rice starts by sautéing diced onion, green bell pepper, and carrot in olive oil until softening. Garlic is then added for aroma, followed by toasting long-grain white rice until lightly golden, which adds nuttiness and helps keep the grains separate. Tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth are stirred in with corn and peas to enrich the flavor and texture, combined with ground cumin, chili powder, and salt for seasoning.

The mixture is brought to a boil, then simmered gently until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed, resulting in a moist, tender grain studded with tender vegetables. Resting covered off heat allows the rice to finish steaming and settles the flavors.

This rice is versatile for serving alongside Mexican-inspired dishes or as a hearty vegetarian main component. The fresh cilantro garnish adds a bright herbal note and freshness to the dish.

Measuring tomatoes from a can and saving leftovers is practical for efficient use. Adjust seasoning with salt after cooking to taste.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion diced, small
  • 1 green bell pepper diced, medium size
  • 1 carrot peeled and diced, large
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ½ cups long grain white rice
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 2 ⅔ cups vegetable broth
  • ¾ cup corn kernels frozen
  • ½ cup peas frozen
  • 2 teaspoons cumin ground
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • cilantro for garnish, chopped

Instructions

  1. Add the olive oil to a large skillet set over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add in the onion, pepper and carrot. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the rice. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently (and then almost constantly toward the end of the 6 to 8 minutes), until the rice is lightly golden brown.
  2. Add in the tomato paste and stir to combine, then stir in the tomatoes, the broth, corn, peas, cumin, chili powder and salt. Increase the heat and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat and let gently simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice stand covered for 5 to 10 minutes untouched.
  3. Fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and season with additional salt if needed, then garnish with the cilantro.

Notes

  • Measure crushed tomatoes accurately for consistent flavor and save any leftover for another use.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 300kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 52g (17%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 5g (25%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Sodium 289mg (12%) Potassium 398mg (8%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 2135IU (43%) Vitamin C 29mg (32%) Calcium 51mg (5%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6to 8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 300 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 300kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 52g 17%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Sodium 289mg 12%
Potassium 398mg 8%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 2135IU 43%
Vitamin C 29mg 32%
Calcium 51mg 5%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.7

66 reviews
Excellent

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