Authentic Guadalajara-Style Spanish Rice
Discover the vibrant flavors of Guadalajara with this Authentic Spanish Rice recipe, a favorite passed down from my Mexican mother-in-law. Each bite of this moist, aromatic rice is infused with a perfect balance of spices and herbs that embrace the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine. Elevate this dish by adding cooked, shredded chicken or sweet green peas for an all-in-one meal that is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a delightful side dish to complement your favorite Mexican meal. Impress your friends and family with this economic and relatively simple yet satisfying dish that bursts with flavor. Who needs to dine out when you can master this beloved classic at home?
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
white rice
1 cup (preferably pearl)
diced tomatoes
14 1/2 ounces (preferably Contadina's brand with Italian herbs)
onion
1 small (diced)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
olive oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
chicken bouillon
2 teaspoons (to enhance flavor)
green onions
2 tablespoons (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the diced onion and sauté until they start to soften and turn golden brown around the edges.
3
Once the onion is cooked, add minced garlic and stir for an additional minute, ensuring it doesn't burn.
4
Introduce the white rice to the skillet, stirring frequently to toast it until it achieves a golden-orange hue. Allow about 5-7 minutes for this step.
5
If the onion and garlic appear to be browning too quickly, immediately add the diced tomatoes to the skillet to prevent burning.
6
While the rice is toasting, prepare a medium-sized pot with a lid.
7
Using clean cooking shears, cut the canned tomatoes into smaller pieces directly in the can.
8
Pour the cut tomatoes into the pot and add an equivalent amount of water (using the empty tomato can for measurement).
9
Stir in the chicken bouillon until fully dissolved.
10
Once the rice has reached the desired color, carefully transfer the contents of the skillet into the pot with the tomatoes and water.
11
Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes.
12
As the cooking time nears completion, check that most of the liquid is absorbed. Gently fluff the rice with a fork and remove from heat.
13
Let the rice steam, covered, for an additional 10-15 minutes.
14
For a fresh finish, stir in chopped green onions just before serving. Enjoy your homemade Spanish Rice!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Guadalajara-Style Spanish Rice?
It is a traditional Mexican side dish known for its vibrant flavors, aromatic herbs, and moist texture, based on a recipe passed down from a Mexican mother-in-law.
What type of rice is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using one cup of white rice, preferably the pearl variety.
Which brand of tomatoes should I use?
Contadina brand diced tomatoes, specifically those with Italian herbs, are recommended for the best flavor.
How do I prepare the canned tomatoes?
Using clean cooking shears, you should cut the diced tomatoes into smaller pieces directly inside the can before adding them to the pot.
Why is it important to toast the rice?
Toasting the rice until it reaches a golden-orange hue adds a nutty depth of flavor and helps achieve the traditional Guadalajara-style profile.
How long does it take to toast the rice?
You should stir the rice frequently and allow it to toast for approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
What should I do if the garlic and onions are browning too fast?
Immediately add the diced tomatoes to the skillet to lower the temperature and prevent the aromatics from burning.
How much water is added to the rice?
You should add an amount of water equivalent to the tomato can, using the empty 14.5-ounce can as your measuring tool.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil to sauté the vegetables and toast the rice.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
Four minced garlic cloves are used to infuse the rice with a robust aromatic flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this Spanish rice?
Yes, adding sweet green peas is a recommended way to elevate the dish into an all-in-one meal.
How can I add protein to this dish?
You can add cooked, shredded chicken to the rice to make it a more substantial and satisfying meal.
What is the simmering time for the rice?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
Why is the rice allowed to steam after cooking?
Letting the rice rest and steam, covered, for an additional 10 to 15 minutes ensures it achieves the perfect moist and fluffy texture.
How should I finish the rice before serving?
Gently fluff the rice with a fork after the liquid is absorbed and before the final steaming period.
What is used as a fresh garnish?
Two tablespoons of chopped green onions can be stirred in just before serving for a fresh finish.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, the recipe is described as an economic dish that provides a lot of flavor with simple ingredients.
For what occasions is this dish suitable?
It is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a delightful side dish to complement any Mexican meal.
Should the onion be cooked before the garlic?
Yes, sauté the diced onion until it softens and turns golden brown before adding the minced garlic for one additional minute.
How is the chicken bouillon incorporated?
The chicken bouillon should be stirred into the tomato and water mixture in the pot until it is fully dissolved.
What is the required size for the onion?
The recipe specifies using one small onion, finely diced.
Is the green onion garnish mandatory?
No, the chopped green onions are listed as an optional ingredient to enhance the final presentation and flavor.
What equipment is needed for the first phase of cooking?
A medium skillet or frying pan is needed to sauté the aromatics and toast the rice before transferring them to a pot.
How much chicken bouillon is used?
Two teaspoons of chicken bouillon are used to enhance the savory profile of the dish.
What is the total amount of diced tomatoes needed?
You will need one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
Should the pot be covered during simmering?
Yes, the pot should be covered with a lid to properly simmer the rice and absorb the liquid.
What color should the rice be after toasting?
The rice should achieve a distinct golden-orange hue during the toasting process.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
The recipe is described as relatively simple yet satisfying, making it easy to master at home.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
How do you know when the rice is done?
The rice is done when most of the liquid is absorbed and the grains are tender after the simmering and steaming periods.