Spanish rice is a perfect combination of spices, sauce and rice makes this a satisfying and finger-licking dish, perfect for lunch or dinner.
I like to experiment with a variety of rice recipes, such as Spanish rice, Mexican rice, Persian rice and so on. As a result, my family and I are not bored of eating plain rice every single day. This usually happens in Indian cooking that we end up making the same steamed rice along with any good curry.
What I liked the most about this recipe of Spanish Rice is that it is easy to make and the cooking gets done, all in one pot. This rice is perfect to be served with any kind of grilled chicken such as Peruvian Grilled Chicken or Peri-Peri Grilled Chicken.
What is the difference between Spanish Rice and Mexican Rice
While searching through the recipes for Spanish Rice, I stumbled upon this blog called Difference Guru which precisely pointed out the actual difference between Spanish and Mexican rice.
There is not much difference in both the recipes, except for the addition of saffron threads in Spanish rice which gives it a subtle and sweet flavor. Rest all the ingredients remain the same and you will also find chopped bell peppers in Mexican Rice.
Main Ingredients used in the making of Spanish Rice
Rice – I prefer the best quality rice, hence I have used basmati rice. This gives better results by adding lots of fragrance and flavor to the dish.
Onion – Saute the sliced onion until it turns light golden in color.
Always use ripe tomatoes for color and flavor.
Stock – You can either make your own homemade meat or vegetable stock. Or simply add water instead.
Saffron Threads – It is an essential step to soak the saffron threads in hot water before using it. This helps in releasing its color and flavors.
You can also try my other rice recipes like Mutton Yakhni Pulao which is basically rice cooked in flavored mutton broth. Aloo Matar Ki Tehri is a simple rice dish cooked along with spices and vegetables like potatoes and green peas. However, if you like to have more Indian-style flavors in your rice dish, then you can try Lahsooni Methi Pulao where rice is infused with flavors such as garlic and fresh fenugreek leaves.
Spanish Rice is:
- easy
- flavorful
- healthy
- traditional
- nutritious
Spanish Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 1 large ripe tomato finely chopped
- 4 cups stock vegetable or chicken
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
- 1 large pinch of saffron threads
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Wash the rice well and soak it for 30 minutes. Drain the rice and set it aside.
- Soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons hot water for 15 minutes and crush them slightly.
- Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan along with butter. Add chopped garlic and fry for a few seconds or till the raw smell disappears and slightly changes color.
- Add sliced onion and sauté till light golden.
- Now add the soaked and drained rice and fry the rice for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add chopped tomato, chili powder, cumin powder, soaked saffron, and 4 cups of chicken or vegetable stock (You can also make the stock by dissolving 1 stock cube with 4 cups of hot water).
- Taste and adjust the salt. Bring the stock to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium. Place the lid and cook till rice is fully done and all the water has dried up. This will take around 7 to 10 minutes.
- Turn off the flame and leave the rice covered for another 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with yogurt and grilled chicken.
If you have any queries regarding the recipe, do mention it in the comments section and I shall get back to you.
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