Delicious Spanish Rice in Rice Cooker – Easy Recipe

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Emma Hayes

There I was in a hot yoga studio with plenty of bright natural light and bending myself into pretzel like positions for the very first time.

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The aroma of Spanish rice wafts through the air, beckoning you to the kitchen like a siren song. Imagine fluffy grains bursting with flavor, complemented by vibrant spices that dance on your palate. The moment you take that first bite, the world fades away, and all that exists is pure taste bliss.

Spanish rice in a rice cooker brings this culinary magic right to your home with minimal fuss. Whether it’s taco night or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to elevate any occasion and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Spanish rice in a rice cooker is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
  • The flavor profile is rich and aromatic, enhanced by spices that transport you straight to Spain
  • Its vibrant color makes it visually appealing on any dinner table
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to accompany various dishes or be enjoyed on its own

Sharing this dish always sparks smiles around the table as my friends rave about how delicious it is. It even became a tradition at our family gatherings!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Long-Grain Rice: This variety works best for achieving fluffy grains that won’t clump together during cooking.

  • Vegetable Broth: Using broth instead of water adds depth and richness to the flavor of your rice.

  • Canned Tomatoes: Opt for diced tomatoes with green chilies for an extra kick of flavor and color.

  • Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and aroma as it cooks.

  • Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an irresistible aroma and boosts the overall flavor profile.

  • Bell Pepper: Use colorful bell peppers to enhance visual appeal while adding crunch and sweetness.

  • Cumin and Paprika: These spices are essential for creating that classic Spanish flavor; don’t skip them!

  • Salt and Pepper: Seasoning is key; adjust according to your taste preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preparing Spanish rice in a rice cooker is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect batch every time.

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by chopping the onion, bell pepper, and mincing the garlic. Gather all ingredients so you’re ready to go; organization equals success!

Sauté Vegetables**: Turn on your rice cooker or use a sauté setting if available. Add a little oil and toss in the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until they soften—about 3-5 minutes.

Add Rice and Spices**: Stir in your long-grain rice along with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté everything together until the rice turns slightly translucent—this enhances its nutty flavor.

Add Liquids**: Pour in vegetable broth and canned tomatoes (with juices). Give everything a gentle stir to combine all those gorgeous flavors together.

Cook It Up**: Close the lid of your rice cooker and select the cooking cycle. Sit back as your kitchen fills with delightful smells—this usually takes around 20-25 minutes.

Fluff and Serve**: Once cooking is complete, let it sit for 5 minutes before opening. Fluff with a fork to separate grains before serving—your Spanish rice should be perfectly tender!

Enjoying homemade Spanish rice in a rice cooker is not just about eating; it’s about creating memories filled with laughter over shared meals!

Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled chicken or making burritos with leftovers tomorrow—it’s bound to impress anyone who tastes it!

You Must Know

  • This delightful Spanish rice in rice cooker is not just a side dish; it’s a flavor-packed experience!
  • The vibrant colors and aromas will have your kitchen smelling like a fiesta
  • Plus, it’s super easy to make and perfect for any meal

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To cook Spanish rice in a rice cooker, start by sautéing onions and garlic before adding rice, tomatoes, and spices. Let the rice absorb all those flavors for the best results.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Spanish rice with black beans, bell peppers, or even some chorizo for an extra kick. You can also adjust the spices based on your heat preference.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Spanish rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it gently in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfectly fluffy Spanish rice, rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch
  • Using low-sodium broth instead of water adds depth of flavor without too much salt
  • Always let the rice sit covered after cooking for about 10 minutes for best results

Sometimes, I serve this dish at family gatherings, and everyone asks for seconds. It’s always fun to watch my cousin try to guess my secret ingredient!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use brown rice for this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes.

What type of tomatoes should I use?

Canned diced tomatoes work great; they add moisture and flavor easily.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Just skip any meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Print

Spanish Rice in a Rice Cooker

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Experience the vibrant flavors of Spanish rice made effortlessly in your rice cooker. This dish combines fluffy long-grain rice with aromatic spices, colorful vegetables, and rich vegetable broth, creating a delightful side that elevates any meal. Perfect for taco night or family gatherings, this quick recipe ensures you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying delicious moments with loved ones.

  • Author: Ethan Carter
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Rice Cooker
  • Cuisine: Spanish

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Chop the onion, bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
  2. Sauté vegetables: In the rice cooker, add a little oil and sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic for about 3-5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add rice and spices: Stir in the long-grain rice along with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until the rice is slightly translucent.
  4. Add liquids: Pour in vegetable broth and canned tomatoes (with juices) and stir gently.
  5. Cook: Close the lid of your rice cooker and select the cooking cycle; it usually takes around 20-25 minutes.
  6. Fluff and serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes after cooking, then fluff with a fork before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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author

Emma Hayes

There I was in a hot yoga studio with plenty of bright natural light and bending myself into pretzel like positions for the very first time.

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