If you’re craving a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Mexican meals, Rice Cooker Spanish Rice is the answer. This vibrant, tomato-based rice dish is a staple in many households, bringing a taste of Mexico right to your kitchen. It’s not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to make using a rice cooker, freeing you up to focus on other dishes or simply enjoy your time with family.

Rice Cooker Spanish Rice – Mexican-Style Tomato-Based Rice

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Rice Cooker Spanish Rice, a delicious Mexican-style tomato-based rice that will elevate any meal.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your flavorful Rice Cooker Spanish Rice. This recipe includes essential components that bring out the vibrant tomato-based flavors and complement your Mexican meals.

Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Vegetables

• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth

Use low-sodium broth for better control over salt levels, or replace with water if desired.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create delicious Rice Cooker Spanish Rice using your rice cooker.

Prep

1. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps achieve fluffy rice.
2. Dice a small onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic.
3. Dice 1 red bell pepper into small pieces.
4. Open a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and set aside.
5. Gather your spices: 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

1. In the rice cooker, set it to the sauté function (if available) and add 1 tablespoon of oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the rinsed rice, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and all the spices, ensuring everything is well mixed.
5. Pour in 1 ½ cups of chicken or vegetable broth (or water if preferred) and stir to combine.
6. Close the rice cooker lid and set it to the white rice setting. Allow it to cook until the cycle completes.
7. Once the cooking cycle ends, let the rice rest for 5 minutes before opening the lid.
8. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve warm.

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create delicious Rice Cooker Spanish Rice. Each step will lead you to a fragrant and colorful side dish, perfect for any Mexican meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
2. Dice 1 small onion and 1 red bell pepper. Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
3. Open a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, ensuring you have about 14.5 ounces.
4. Measure out your seasonings: 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
5. Gather 1 ½ cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, or water if preferred.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Rice Cooker

1. In your rice cooker, add the rinsed rice.
2. Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper.
3. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices.
4. Sprinkle in the seasonings: ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Finally, add the chicken or vegetable broth to the mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Start the Rice Cooker

1. Close the lid of the rice cooker securely.
2. Set the rice cooker to the white rice setting. If your rice cooker does not have a specific white rice setting, use the standard cooking cycle.
3. Allow the rice cooker to complete its cooking cycle. The cooker will indicate when the rice is ready.

1. Once the rice cooker signals that cooking is complete, let the rice sit with the lid closed for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps to enhance the texture.
2. Open the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice gently, incorporating the colorful vegetables and spices throughout.
3. Serve warm as a delightful side dish to your favorite Mexican-inspired meals.

Tools and Equipment

To make Rice Cooker Spanish Rice, you will need the following tools and equipment to ensure a smooth cooking process:

• Rice Cooker: A reliable rice cooker is essential for perfectly cooking the rice. Make sure it has a white rice setting for optimal results.
• Measuring Cups: Use measuring cups for accurate measurement of rice and broth. Precision counts for the best flavor.
• Measuring Spoons: Keep handy for measuring spices and seasonings.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board will provide a safe surface for chopping vegetables.
• Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for dicing the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic quickly and efficiently.
• Large Spoon or Spatula: Use a large spoon or spatula for stirring the ingredients together in the rice cooker.
• Colander or Sieve: A colander or sieve is helpful for rinsing the rice and removing excess starch.
• Serving Dish: Choose a serving dish to elegantly present your Spanish rice once it’s ready to serve.

With these tools at your disposal, you can easily prepare a delicious batch of Rice Cooker Spanish Rice. Each piece of equipment plays a vital role in helping you create this tasty side dish effortlessly.

Make-Ahead Instructions

To prepare your Rice Cooker Spanish Rice in advance, follow these steps for optimal flavor and convenience:

1. Cook and Cool: Prepare the Spanish rice completely according to the recipe instructions. Once cooked, allow it to cool to room temperature. This prevents excess moisture that can lead to mushiness.
2. Store: Transfer the cooled rice to an airtight container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Ideally, you should use a container that minimizes exposure to air to keep the rice fresh.
3. Refrigerate: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the rice can remain fresh for up to 4 days, making it a perfect option for meal prepping.
4. Reheat: When ready to serve, simply remove the rice from the refrigerator. You can reheat it in the microwave or return it to the rice cooker with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Heat until the rice is warmed through.
5. Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to keep the rice for a longer period, you can freeze it. Portion the cooled rice into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out any excess air and label with the date. Frozen rice will maintain quality for up to 3 months.
6. Defrosting: To use frozen rice, transfer it to the refrigerator a day before you plan to eat it to thaw. You can also reheat from frozen in the microwave, adding a little liquid to avoid dryness.

By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy your Rice Cooker Spanish Rice anytime without the rush of daily preparation.

Conclusion

Rice Cooker Spanish Rice is a delicious and convenient dish that can elevate any Mexican meal. Its vibrant flavors and simple preparation make it a go-to side dish for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. By using a rice cooker you free up time to focus on other dishes or enjoy precious moments with loved ones.

With the right ingredients and a few easy steps you can create a flavorful tomato-based rice that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it ahead for meal prep or whipping it up fresh for dinner this dish is versatile and satisfying. Enjoy your Rice Cooker Spanish Rice as a perfect accompaniment to your favorite entrees and savor the delightful taste of homemade goodness.