Add some Caribbean flair to your dinner table with this aromatic and easy-to-make Guyanese Spanish rice recipe, bursting with bold flavors and vibrant colors.
Guyanese Spanish Rice
Publisher: Pithy Recipe
Cuisine: American
Category: Side dish
Prep Time: Cook Time: Servings: 6
Calories: 270 calories
What’s this?
Guyanese Spanish rice is a flavorful rice dish that combines the cooking techniques and spices of both Guyanese and Spanish cuisine.
This dish typically consists of rice that has been cooked with onions, bell peppers, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chicken or vegetable broth. The dish is then garnished with fresh cilantro.
The key to a good Guyanese Spanish rice is in the seasoning. The combination of spices used gives the rice a smoky, savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the bell peppers and onions. The tomato paste adds depth and richness to the dish.
The dish is typically served as a side dish alongside chicken, beef, or fish. It can also be served as a main dish with beans or vegetables.
The recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences, such as adding more or less spice or substituting different vegetables or types of broth.
Recipe
Try this delicious and flavorful Guyanese Spanish rice recipe made with aromatic spices, bell peppers, and onions. Perfect as a side dish or main meal!
Ingredients
- 2 cups white rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Method Instructions
- Rinse the rice with cold water until the water runs clear, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
- Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the spice mixture.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped cilantro before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Guyanese-style Spanish rice!
Rated: 5.0 of 5.0 from 14 reviews.
Recipe Tags: Guyanese Spanish Rice, Guyanese Spanish Rice Recipe, Recipe
Servings
- As a side dish: Guyanese Spanish rice makes a great side dish to serve with chicken, beef, fish, or any other protein. Simply spoon the rice onto a plate and serve alongside your main dish.
- With beans: For a vegetarian or vegan option, you can serve the rice with a side of black beans, kidney beans, or any other type of beans you prefer. The combination of rice and beans makes for a complete protein and a filling meal.
- In a bowl: You can also serve Guyanese Spanish rice in a bowl as a standalone meal. Add some grilled vegetables, avocado, or any other toppings you like for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
- In a burrito: Another fun way to serve the rice is to use it as a filling for a burrito. Simply spoon the rice onto a large flour tortilla, add some black beans, cheese, lettuce, and any other toppings you like, and roll it up into a burrito.
Tips
- Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly with cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Use the right rice: Use long-grain white rice for best results. This type of rice has a fluffy texture and is less likely to clump together when cooked.
- Don’t over-stir the rice: Stir the rice gently only once or twice while it’s cooking. Over-stirring the rice can cause it to become sticky and mushy.
- Add enough liquid: Be sure to use enough liquid (chicken or vegetable broth) when cooking the rice. The ratio of rice to liquid should be about 1:2.
- Use fresh spices: For the best flavor, use fresh spices whenever possible. This will ensure that the spices are at their most potent and flavorful.
- Let the rice rest: Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This will allow the flavors to meld and the rice to become tender.
- Customize to your taste: Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking by adding more or less of the spices or vegetables, or substituting different types of broth.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Rice: You can use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: If you don’t have broth on hand, you can use water instead, but the rice may not be as flavorful.
- Bell peppers: You can use any color of bell peppers or substitute them with other vegetables such as zucchini, squash, or eggplant.
- Onions: You can use shallots or leeks instead of onions.
- Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar.
- Spices: You can adjust the spices to your liking or substitute them with other spices you prefer. For example, you can use cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika.
- Oil: You can use any type of oil such as vegetable oil, coconut oil, or olive oil.
Helpful Info
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- Leftovers: Guyanese Spanish rice reheats well and makes for a great leftover dish. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.
- Variations: There are many variations of Spanish rice, and Guyanese Spanish rice is just one of them. Some variations may include additional ingredients such as chorizo, peas, or corn.
- Cooking time: The cooking time for Spanish rice may vary depending on the type of rice and the altitude at which you’re cooking. Be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package of rice you’re using, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Serving size: A serving size of Spanish rice is typically about 1/2 cup, but this may vary depending on your dietary needs and preferences.
- Nutrition: Guyanese Spanish rice is a good source of carbohydrates and provides some fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, it may also be high in sodium depending on the type of broth used, so it’s important to monitor your salt intake.
Remarks
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious Guyanese Spanish rice recipe as much as I did! With its fragrant spices, colorful vegetables, and fluffy texture, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Don’t forget to share your experience and feedback in the comments section below.
