Imagine a side dish that transforms ordinary brown rice into a mouthwatering culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This Baked Brown Spanish Rice is not just a simple recipe – it's a flavor-packed journey that combines the wholesome goodness of brown rice with vibrant Spanish-inspired seasonings. Whether you're a home cook looking to elevate your meal game or a food enthusiast craving something extraordinary, this recipe promises to be your new go-to side dish that's both nutritious and absolutely delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a medium-sized baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
- Add the brown rice to the skillet and toast it lightly with the onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes, which will enhance the nutty flavor of the rice.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine and distribute the spices evenly.
- Transfer the rice mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and ensure even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Check at the 40-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
- Remove from the oven and let the rice rest, still covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and become fluffy.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
Tips
- Rice Toasting Trick: Don't skip the rice toasting step! Lightly toasting the rice with onions and garlic before baking develops a deeper, nuttier flavor that takes this dish from good to phenomenal.
- Liquid Ratio is Key: Brown rice absorbs more liquid than white rice, so ensure you use the correct broth-to-rice ratio to achieve perfectly tender grains.
- Foil Coverage Matters: Tightly covering the baking dish with aluminum foil is crucial for trapping steam and ensuring even, thorough cooking.
- Resting Time is Essential: Let the rice rest after baking for 5-10 minutes. This allows the grains to finish steaming and become wonderfully fluffy.
- Spice Customization: Feel free to adjust the cumin and paprika to your taste. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
