Vegan Spanish Rice Recipe

Long grain rice: This type of rice is ideal for achieving the perfect texture in Spanish rice.

Olive oil: Adds a rich flavor and helps to sauté the onions and garlic.

Onion: Provides a savory base for the dish.

Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.

Tomato sauce: Gives the rice its characteristic red color and tangy taste.

Vegetable broth: Enhances the overall flavor and keeps the rice moist.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.

Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.

Frozen peas: Adds color, sweetness, and a bit of texture to the dish.

To achieve perfectly cooked rice, make sure to toast it in the olive oil until it is lightly golden. This step not only enhances the flavor but also helps to keep the grains separate, preventing them from becoming mushy. Additionally, when adding the vegetable broth, ensure it is hot or at least warm to maintain a consistent cooking temperature, which aids in even cooking.

• long grain rice - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, making it a healthier option.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a slightly sweet flavor and is a good vegan alternative.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter taste compared to onions.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available; it provides a similar flavor.

• tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used to achieve a similar texture and flavor.

• vegetable broth - Substitute with water with bouillon cubes: Bouillon cubes dissolved in water can mimic the flavor of vegetable broth.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with umami, enhancing the overall taste.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor to the dish.

• frozen peas - Substitute with fresh peas: Fresh peas can be used for a fresher taste and texture.

• Allow the vegan Spanish rice to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the rice soggy.
• Transfer the cooled rice to an airtight container. For best results, use a container that is just the right size to minimize air exposure.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the rice within 3-4 days. This keeps the vegetables and rice fresh and flavorful.
• For longer storage, place the rice in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Flatten the bag to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. Frozen Spanish rice can be stored for up to 3 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw the rice in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the rice and peas.
• Reheat the rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the rice in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• For an added burst of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving.

• For the stovetop method:

  1. Place the leftover vegan Spanish rice in a non-stick skillet.
  2. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent sticking and to rehydrate the rice.
  3. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.

• For the microwave method:

  1. Transfer the leftover rice to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or vegetable broth over the rice.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open for steam to escape.
  4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is heated evenly.
  5. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.

• For the oven method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover rice in an even layer in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a few tablespoons of vegetable broth or water to keep the rice moist.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap the steam.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is thoroughly heated.
  6. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.

• For the steamer method:

  1. Place the leftover rice in a heatproof bowl that fits inside your steamer basket.
  2. Add a few tablespoons of water or vegetable broth to the rice.
  3. Set up your steamer and bring the water to a boil.
  4. Place the bowl in the steamer basket, cover, and steam for about 5-10 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
  5. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.

• Large skillet: A wide and deep pan used for sautéing the onions, garlic, and toasting the rice.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the skillet.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the rice, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, salt, and paprika.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely chop the onion and garlic.

• Lid: To cover the skillet while the rice simmers.

• Fork: Used to fluff the rice before serving.

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion and mince the garlic in advance to save time during cooking.

Use pre-cooked rice: Substitute with pre-cooked rice to cut down on cooking time.

Frozen peas: Measure out the frozen peas beforehand to streamline the process.

Efficient stirring: Use a large skillet to cook everything in one pan, reducing cleanup time.

Quick boil: Use an electric kettle to pre-boil the vegetable broth, speeding up the boiling process.