How To Cook Spanish Rice In A Rice Cooker: A Step-By-Step Guide

Spanish rice is a tasty, flavorful dish that combines rice with a rich tomato-based sauce. With the right technique, you can easily prepare this flavorful rice dish in a rice cooker for a convenient one-pot meal. This step-by-step guide will show you how.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1 – Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and continue sautéing for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2 – Bloom the Spices

Add the chili powder, cumin and oregano to the vegetables. Let the spices bloom for 1 minute to release their essential oils and infuse the vegetable mix with flavor.

Step 3 – Prepare the Rice

Rinse the rice grains thoroughly in a mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch for fluffier rice.

Place the washed rice and 1 3/4 cups water in the inner pot of your rice cooker. Allow the rice to soak for 15-20 minutes before the next step.

Step 4 – Combine the Ingredients

Pour the sautéed vegetable mix over the rice in the pot. Add the tomato sauce, broth, and salt and pepper to taste.

Gently mix everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon. The liquid should cover the rice by about 1/2 inch. Add a bit more broth if needed.

Step 5 – Cook the Rice

Close the rice cooker, select the “White Rice” setting and let it cook. Do not open the lid during the cooking process.

Once done, let the rice steam for 10-15 minutes before opening the lid. Fluff the rice with a fork and adjust seasoning if needed.

Your flavorful Spanish rice is now ready to enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Spanish Rice

• Use short or medium grain rice varieties like jasmine or Arborio for more flavor absorption. Long grain rice works too.
• Try substituting tomato paste or crushed tomatoes if you want a thicker sauce.
• For extra flavor, add chopped cilantro, diced jalapenos, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cook chicken, beef or shrimp separately and mix in for a hearty main dish.
• For vegetarian Spanish rice, use veggie broth and skip the meat add-ins.
• Allow the rice to rest after cooking for the best texture.
• Add peas or corn in the last 5 mins of cooking if desired.
• Garnish with lime wedges, shredded cheese, or sour cream for serving.

With the right rice cooker, you can easily achieve restaurant-worthy Spanish rice at home. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and enjoy this flavorful dish for lunch or dinner any day of the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Spanish Rice

Here are some common questions about making Spanish rice in a rice cooker:

What type of rice works best for Spanish rice?

A short or medium grain white rice like jasmine or Arborio works well as they absorb flavor easily. Long grain rice can also be used. Stay away from sticky rice.

Can I cook the meat and rice together?

It’s best to brown ground meat separately and mix it in at the end for the right texture. Cook larger proteins like chicken separately.

How long does it take to cook?

White rice takes 18-20 minutes while brown rice takes 40-50 minutes to cook in a rice cooker after coming to pressure. Adjust time as needed.

Do I need to stir the rice while cooking?

Don’t lift the lid or stir rice while the cooker is pressurized. Fluff with a fork after allowing the rice to steam for 10-15 minutes after cooking.

Conclusion

Cooking flavorful Spanish rice is easy with your trusty rice cooker. Just sauté the aromatic veggies, bloom the spices, and add everything to the rice cooker pot with tomato sauce and broth. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have the perfect rice to complement any meal. Use jasmine or medium grain rice for best results. Add different proteins and garnishes to customize your Spanish rice. With the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to whip up this tasty rice dish anytime.