Easy Southern Style Spanish Rice Recipe with Bold Flavors
Today, we’re sharing a delicious and flavorful recipe for Southern Style Spanish Rice. This dish is a perfect side to complement your favorite Southern meals, whether you’re serving it with a spicy jambalaya, savory chicken, or even as a base for a Mexican-inspired feast.
With its rich blend of seasonings and savory tomato flavor, this rice dish is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients You Will Need:
- water
- medium grain rice, rinsed thoroughly
- Badia Complete seasoning
- dried parsley
- pure chicken base
- tomato sauce
- salt
- black pepper
- onion powder
- garlic powder
How to Make Southern Style Spanish Rice with Rich, Bold Flavors
This flavorful rice is a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with many Southern and comfort food dishes. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Serve with Fried Chicken: The rich, herby flavor of the Spanish rice complements the crispy crunch of fried chicken perfectly. It’s a match made in Southern comfort food heaven!
- Taco Night: Use this rice as a base for taco bowls. Top with seasoned ground beef or chicken, fresh salsa, cheese, and avocado for a delicious twist on a taco night classic.
- With Jambalaya or Gumbo: Spanish rice works great alongside spicy dishes like jambalaya or gumbo. It helps to balance out the heat while still adding flavor to the meal.
- Pair with Grilled Shrimp: Serve this rice as a side with grilled shrimp for a light and flavorful meal. Add a squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of cilantro to really brighten the dish.
- Vegetarian Delight: For a simple vegetarian meal, serve the rice with sautéed vegetables, black beans, and a drizzle of sour cream. It’s a hearty, flavorful option that can easily be customized to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Style Spanish Rice:
This Southern Style Spanish Rice is packed with flavor, from the savory chicken base and tomato sauce to the fragrant spices of garlic and onion powder.
The addition of Badia Complete seasoning adds an all-purpose richness that ties everything together. The rice is soft yet perfectly fluffy, making it a great base for any dish. Whether you’re serving it with meats, veggies, or enjoying it as the main event, this rice is sure to add a comforting, satisfying touch to any meal.
So, whether you’re preparing a Sunday family dinner, planning a festive gathering, or just want to add a little extra flavor to your meals, this Southern Style Spanish Rice is a must-try! Let us know how you serve it up and if you have any creative twists on this recipe – we love hearing from our readers.
Southern Style Spanish Rice
Equipment
- 1 large rice pot or cooker
Ingredients
- 5 cups water
- 3 cups medium grain rice, rinsed thoroughly
- 3 tbsp Badia Complete seasoning
- 2 tbsp dried parsley
- 1/2 cup pure chicken base
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prep the Rice:Start by rinsing your medium grain rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This will help ensure your rice comes out fluffy and not too sticky.
- Boil the Liquid:In a large pot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Add in the chicken base, tomato sauce, Badia Complete seasoning, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Add the Rice:Once the water mixture is boiling, add your rinsed rice to the pot. Stir to ensure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid.
- Simmer:Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes. Check after 15 minutes to ensure the rice is not overcooked. You want the rice to absorb all the liquid and become tender but not mushy.
- Fluff and Serve:Once the rice has absorbed all the liquid, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes to settle. Fluff the rice with a fork, and it's ready to serve!