Inspired by my recent trip to New Mexico – one of the first meals I prepared when I got home – was of course – New Mexican! And I can’t think of any better accompaniment to any southwestern meal than homemade Spanish Rice.
Most Spanish Rice recipes will have you brown the rice in oil or even (gasp!) butter. Tasty for sure – but I personally can do without all that added fat. There had to be a better way.
Looking over at my counter I just happened to spy my rice cooker…….and the rest – as they say – was history.
Not only is this version vegan, fat-free, AND much healthier, it’s all super easy! No muss no fuss. Just dump all the ingredients into a Rice Cooker and press go. Can’t be any easier than that.
So put on some salsa music, grab the tortillas, (maybe a margarita if you’re into that sort of thing) and let’s get cooking!
Easy Rice Cooker Spanish Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups of rice (I prefer brown but either will work)
- 1 and 3/4 cup of low sodium Veggie Broth
- 1 and 3/4 cup of water
- 1 14oz can of low sodium Tomatoes with juice
- 1 small Spanish Onion – diced
- 1/2 red Bell Pepper
- 1 4oz can chopped Green Chiles
- 3 tbls Chili Powder
- 1 tsp ground Cumin
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
Instructions
1. Place 2 cups of your favorite rice into a rice cooker.
2. Add the tomatoes, chopped onion, bell pepper, and chiles
3. Add the tomatoes and the juice.
4. Add the spices
5. Slowly add the broth and water.
6. Give it a quick stir to combine the spices, add the lid and press GO!
How’s that for easy!
After about 40 minutes or so you’re rice cooker should switch over to ‘warm’ (mine does anyway), carefully remove the lid and fluff with a fork.
If you’re feeling adventurous – instead of a can of tomatoes and chiles, you can try a can of Rotel – but it will be a tad bit spicier. The little ones may not be able to eat it. Also I think Rotel comes in a 10oz cans so you may need to adjust your liquid accordingly.
I’ve made this with white rice and it seemed a bit ‘soupy‘ when it was done, but after a quick fluff and stir, the moisture was absorbed and it turned out great!
If you love New Mexican food as much as I do – be sure and try my New Mexico Red Chile Sauce and Cashew Cheese too!
