Kid-Pleasing Spanish Rice Recipe

"I came up with this recipe years ago, when our daughter was young and picky. It works well for hubbies with an inordinate fear of cooked tomatoes too. :) The mild enchilada sauce works great to add flavor without the heat."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Saute onion and carrot until translucent.

Step 2

Add rice and saute a few more minutes.

Step 3

Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.

Step 4

Stir, cover and reduce heat to simmer.

Step 5

Simmer for 25 minutes without removing lid.

Step 6

Fluff with a fork and serve with chopped green onion on top

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.

Tips for selecting ingredients

When selecting the olive oil, choose a light or extra-light variety for a milder flavor.
For the enchilada sauce, look for a milder variety to keep the dish from becoming too spicy.

Ingredient substitutions

Substitute olive oil with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a higher smoke point than olive oil, making it a better choice for high-heat cooking like sautéing.
Substitute chicken bouillon cube with vegetable bouillon cube: This substitution is a great way to make the recipe vegetarian-friendly.

Variations

Mexican Rice Replace the enchilada sauce with 1/4 cup of salsa and add 1/4 teaspoon of cumin.

Vegetarian Mexican Rice Replace the enchilada sauce with 1/4 cup of salsa, add 1/4 teaspoon of cumin, and add 1/2 cup of cooked black beans and 1/2 cup of cooked corn.

Serve with

Grilled Fish with Lime Butter - This light and flavorful dish pairs perfectly with the Spanish Rice, providing a healthy balance of protein and vegetables. The lime butter adds a zesty kick to the fish, which complements the mild enchilada sauce in the rice.

Tomatillo Avocado Salsa: This tangy, creamy salsa is the perfect accompaniment to the Grilled Fish with Lime Butter. The tomatillos and avocado provide a bright, fresh flavor that contrasts nicely with the richness of the fish and the mildness of the Spanish Rice. It's a great way to add a bit of extra flavor to the meal without overpowering the other dishes.

FAQ

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients.

Q: Can I substitute the almond milk for another type of milk?

A: Yes, you can substitute almond milk for any other type of milk such as cow's milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness level according to the type of milk used.

Fun facts:

This dish is a great way to introduce kids to the flavors of Mexican cuisine. In fact, the popular Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla recorded a song titled "Como La Flor" which features the line "arroz con leche, como la flor" which translates to "rice with milk, like the flower".

The origins of Spanish rice can be traced back to the Moors who ruled Spain between 711 and 1492. The Moors introduced the technique of cooking rice in a flavorful broth, which became popular throughout Spain and the Caribbean islands.