Imagine bringing the vibrant flavors of Spain to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. This Easy Instant Pot Spanish Rice is about to revolutionize your weeknight cooking, transforming ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering side dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Spanish cuisine. With just a few simple steps and your trusty Instant Pot, you'll create a restaurant-quality rice dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté mode. Add a small amount of oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add the rice to the Instant Pot and stir, allowing the rice to lightly toast for about 1 minute, which will enhance its nutty flavor.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, and salt over the rice mixture, gently stirring to distribute the seasonings.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and switch to Manual/Pressure Cook mode.
- Set the cooking time to 8 minutes at high pressure, ensuring the rice will cook perfectly.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow remaining moisture to absorb.
Tips
- Rinsing the rice is crucial - it removes excess starch and prevents your rice from becoming gummy or sticky.
- Toasting the rice before adding liquids enhances its nutty flavor and helps each grain cook perfectly.
- Use fresh spices like garlic powder and paprika to maximize the authentic Spanish flavor profile.
- Don't skip the natural pressure release - it helps the rice absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of saffron or replacing some vegetable broth with chicken broth.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add a small amount of diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
