Spanish Rice Pilaf

Bursting with vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, this Spanish Rice Pilaf transforms a simple side dish into a culinary adventure. Packed with aromatic spices, colorful vegetables, and wholesome rice, it offers a perfect balance of nutrition and taste. Easy to prepare and endlessly versatile, this dish brings the warmth of Spanish cuisine to your table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.  Add beef, lamb, chicken or merguez and vegetables for a full one pot meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain white rice

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
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  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
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  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
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  • 1/4 cup olive oil
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  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
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  • 1 tsp ground cumin
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  • 1/2 tsp salt
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  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
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  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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  • Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas
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  • Optional: 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Shopping List

Pantry Items

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  • Long-grain white rice
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  • Chicken or vegetable broth
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  • Diced tomatoes
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  • Smoked paprika
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  • Ground cumin
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  • Salt
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  • Black pepper

Fresh Produce

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  • 1 medium onion
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  • 2 cloves garlic
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  • 1 red bell pepper
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  • Fresh parsley

Optional Items

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  • Frozen peas
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  • Sliced almonds

Cooking Supplies

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  • Large skillet with lid
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  • Wooden spoon
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  • Measuring cups and spoons

Cooking Instructions

• Prepare Ingredients
  • Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the red bell pepper
  • Measure out all spices and have them ready
• Sauté Vegetables
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
  • Add diced onion and bell pepper
  • Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are softened
  • Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds
• Toast the Rice
  • Add rice to the skillet
  • Stir to coat rice with oil and vegetables
  • Toast rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning
• Add Liquids and Seasonings
  • Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice
  • Add broth, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper
  • Stir to combine all ingredients
• Cooking the Rice
  • Bring mixture to a boil
  • Reduce heat to low
  • Cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid
  • Simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid
• Finish and Serve
  • Remove from heat
  • Let stand covered for 5 minutes
  • Fluff rice with a fork
  • If using, stir in frozen peas
  • Garnish with chopped parsley and optional sliced almonds

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Serves 6)

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  • Calories: 285
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  • Protein: 6g
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  • Carbohydrates: 45g
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  • Fat: 9g
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  • Fiber: 3g
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  • Sodium: 480mg

Nutritional Highlights

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  • Good source of complex carbohydrates
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  • Low in saturated fat
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  • Contains beneficial vegetables
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  • Provides essential minerals from broth and vegetables

Serving Suggestions

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  • Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish
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  • Can be a vegetarian main course
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  • Pairs well with a light green salad

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  • Refrigerate in an airtight container
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  • Best consumed within 3-4 days
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  • Reheat in microwave or skillet with a splash of broth