Instant Pot Spanish Rice Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a quick and easy way to whip up a deliciously flavorful Spanish rice dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s a total lifesaver during busy weeknights, and the aroma from the smoked paprika and ground cumin is so comforting and inviting!

I’m confident you’ll enjoy preparing Instant Pot Spanish Rice. The recipe features olive oil, onion, and garlic cooked to aromatic perfection, then combined with long-grain white rice and lightning-flash vibrant tomatoes.

There’s smoked paprika and ground cumin for smokiness, and there’s very finely chopped cilantro (or parsley, if you prefer) for freshness and color, not to mention the lime juice that makes everything pop. It’s a delicious dish with complex flavors and rich nutrients.

Ingredients

Oils from olives: Fats that are healthy for the heart, and that impart richness and flavor.

Onion: Delivers a tasty foundation with plenty of antioxidants and vitamins.

Garlic: Adds savory taste and is an immunity booster.

Carbohydrate source; yields a light and fluffy texture.

Broth from chicken: Adds profundity and lushness; may be a source of collagen.

Chopped tomatoes: Full of juice; little sweet, with a blast of acidity; and an excellent source of vitamin C.

Paprika that has been smoked: Flavor of smoke; lends profundity and hue.

Cumin Seed: Smoky, warm flavor, an abundance of iron and antioxidants.

Cilantro: Enlivens the meal; packed with vitamins A and K, it has an aromatic presence.

Lime: Citrusy, zesty taste; enhances vitamin C richness.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional for serving)

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Instructions

1. Place the olive oil in the Instant Pot and set it to sauté mode. When hot, add the onion that has been diced and cook it for 3-4 minutes until it has softened.

2. Add the garlic that has been minced and cook for 30 more seconds until it becomes aromatic.

3. Put the long-grain white rice in with the oil and stir to persuade the rice to mix with the oil. Let the rice toast for around 2 minutes.

4. Add the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and scrape the bottom of the pot to guarantee that no rice is sticking.

5. Incorporate the undrained diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend together all the components to achieve a uniform mixture.

6. Ensure the Instant Pot lid is tightly secured and that the vent is positioned to seal. Press the manual or pressure cook button and set the timer for 4 minutes on high pressure.

7. When the cooking time is finished, let the pressure come down naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully use the quick-release method to release any remaining pressure.

8. Take off the lid and use a fork to lightly stir the rice and mix the ingredients completely.

9. If you would like, you can garnish the Spanish rice in a serving dish with fresh cilantro that has been chopped.

10. Accompany the rice with lime wedges for an optional zesty finish. Relish your delicious and simple Spanish rice!

Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Measuring spoons
5. Measuring cups
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Fork
8. Mixing bowl (for garnishing)

FAQ

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?You can use brown rice, but in the Instant Pot, increase the cooking time to about 22 minutes.
• Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?Of course, employ vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to create a vegetarian version.
• Can I add other vegetables to the rice?Certainly! You can incorporate bell peppers, peas, or corn for added taste and nutrients.
• How spicy is this Spanish rice?The mildly spiced recipe allows for the addition of a chopped jalapeño if you want more heat.
• Can I freeze leftovers?Absolutely, Spanish rice can be stored in an airtight container and frozen for as long as 3 months.
• What can I serve with Spanish rice?Accompany it with tacos, grilled chicken, or enchiladas, and serve it as a side dish.
• How long does it take to make this recipe from start to finish?Preparing the Instant Pot recipe requires approximately 10 minutes. Cooking time is about 20 minutes.

Substitutions and Variations

Instead of using olive oil, you can use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or 2 tablespoons of either.
Shallots or green onions may be used in place of the onion: use 2 shallots or 1/2 cup green onions.
Substitute beef broth or water with a bouillon cube for chicken broth or vegetable broth.
Instead of using diced tomatoes, utilize canned crushed tomatoes or fresh chopped tomatoes (approximately 2 large tomatoes).
For the smoked paprika, substitute with regular paprika or chipotle powder to give a different smoky flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Rinse the Rice Before adding the rice to the Instant Pot, rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.

2. Use Quality Broth For the best flavor, use a high-quality chicken or vegetable broth. You can even enhance it with a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of bouillon for extra depth.

3. Sauté the Spices After toasting the rice, add the smoked paprika and cumin to the pot before the liquid. Sautéing spices releases their essential oils, bringing out a richer flavor.

4. Let the Rice Rest After cooking and releasing the pressure, let the rice sit in the Instant Pot for another 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid.

5. Customize the Garnish Besides cilantro and lime, consider adding toppings like diced avocado, chopped green onions, or sliced jalapeños to give the rice extra flavor and texture.