Imagine transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering Spanish rice dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor! This crock pot Spanish rice recipe is your ticket to a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Spain, without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're a busy home cook or a flavor enthusiast looking for an easy, delicious side dish, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that will impress family and friends alike.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing the long-grain rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain completely.
- Chop the onion and bell pepper into uniform small dice to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
- In your crock pot, combine the washed rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper.
- Add the garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the mixture, stirring gently to distribute the spices evenly throughout the ingredients.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set to low heat setting, which will allow the rice to cook slowly and absorb all the flavors.
- Cook the Spanish rice for approximately 3 hours, without lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
- After 3 hours, check the rice for tenderness and liquid absorption. If the rice seems too firm, add a little more broth and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Once the rice is fully cooked and has a fluffy texture, turn off the crock pot and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains and release steam.
- Serve hot as a side dish or main course, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro.
Tips
- Rice Washing is Key: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy, separated grains in your final dish.
- Uniform Chopping Matters: Cut your onions and bell peppers into consistent, small pieces to guarantee even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Spice Balance: Don't be afraid to adjust spices to your taste, but remember that cumin and garlic powder are the flavor heroes in this recipe.
- Resist the Lid Temptation: Keep the crock pot lid closed during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
- Liquid Levels are Critical: If your rice seems too firm after the initial cooking time, add a little more broth gradually.
- Resting Time is Crucial: Allow the rice to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to let it absorb any remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
- Garnish for Extra Flair: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro can elevate the presentation and add a fresh flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
