What To Know
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large bowl.
- Make a large batch of Spanish rice on Sunday and enjoy it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
In the whirlwind of everyday life, finding time to prepare delicious and nutritious meals can be a challenge. But with our foolproof recipe for make-ahead Spanish rice, you can enjoy a flavorful and convenient dish that will save you precious time and effort. This versatile side dish is perfect for meal prepping, potlucks, and those nights when you need a quick and easy dinner solution.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Combine the rice and sauce: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to combine. Pour enough water over the rice to cover it by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Cool and store: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large bowl. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Benefits of Make-Ahead Spanish Rice
- Convenience: Prepare it ahead of time and have it ready to go when you need it.
- Time-saving: No more scrambling to cook dinner at the last minute.
- Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients that are readily available.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish, in burritos, or as a filling for stuffed peppers.
- Healthy: Provides whole grains, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Reheating and Serving
- Reheat in the microwave: Place the desired amount of rice in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Reheat on the stovetop: Warm the rice in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Serve with your favorite toppings: Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, salsa, or guacamole.
Meal-Prep Ideas
- Monday: Make a large batch of Spanish rice on Sunday and enjoy it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
- Tuesday: Use the rice to fill burritos with beans, cheese, and vegetables.
- Wednesday: Add the rice to a soup or stew to make it more filling.
- Thursday: Leftover rice can be used to make fried rice or mixed with eggs for a breakfast scramble.
- Friday: Use the rice as a base for a taco salad with your favorite toppings.
Variations
- Spicy Spanish rice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Vegetarian Spanish rice: Omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead.
- Brown Spanish rice: Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option.
- Gluten-free Spanish rice: Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Tips for Perfect Spanish Rice
- Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch.
- Sauté the aromatics in a large skillet to prevent them from burning.
- Simmer the rice on low heat to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before storing it to prevent it from becoming mushy.
What You Need to Learn
Q: How long can I store make-ahead Spanish rice in the refrigerator?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, make-ahead Spanish rice can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze make-ahead Spanish rice?
A: Yes, you can freeze make-ahead Spanish rice for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What are some other ways to use make-ahead Spanish rice?
A: In addition to serving it as a side dish, you can use make-ahead Spanish rice to make burritos, stuffed peppers, soups, stews, and fried rice.
