Low Sodium Spanish Rice

I love Mexican and Latin flavors! As I have related before, most of my formative cooking as a bachelor was when I lived in Florida. The major cultural impact on cuisine was Latin, Mexican, Spanish, and Caribbean flavors. Rice is a staple in many of those cuisines, especially Mexican or Spanish Rice, typically served with many meals. It is a solid side dish that can accompany so many other dishes, from Tacos and Enchiladas to Arroz con Pollo. So I needed to find a solid recipe for low sodium Spanish Rice.

To be honest, I love Spanish rice almost completely even as a stand alone dish. I will add in a protein like grilled chicken or steak, and make a rice bowl out of it. It is so flavorful and filling. You could also add in other vegetables to even boost it up more. I have seen variations that add black beans, corn, and black olives. I am all for adding those if you can find low sodium versions.

The secret to making a truly flavorful low sodium Spanish Rice is toasting the rice in a saute pan prior to cooking the rice. I tried to cheat for expediency’s sake and use the rice cooker, but the flavors are just not the same. This is the one time you need to really dirty up a pan and go that extra step to ensure your flavors are on point! Let me know in the comments below what you add to your rice if it is different from mine.

Low Sodium Spanish Rice

Christopher Lower

Perfect as a side, or add your favorite grilled protein and make it the star of the meal.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Spanish

Servings 3 cups

Calories 245.1 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 2 tsp Cumin
• 2 tsp Chili Powder Salt Free
• 2 tsp Spanish Paprika or Pimenton
• 1 Medium Onion chopped
• 1 Medium Red Bell Pepper chopped
• 1 12 oz Can of Crushed Tomatoes no salt added or the lowest sodium you can find
• 2 cups Long Grain White Rice uncooked
• 2 cups water

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet (with lid) or dutch oven heat the oil
• Add the rice, peppers, and onion and saute until the rice browns and the peppers and onions are tender
• Stir in the tomatoes and water.
• Add the cumin, paprika, and chili powder
• Bring to a boil, then cover the pot/pan and reduce heat to a simmer.
• Allow to simmer for 30 minutes or until the Rice has absorbed the liquid, stirring occasionally to keep the rice from sticking to the pot/pan.
• Enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition Facts

Low Sodium Spanish Rice

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 245.1 Calories from Fat 5

% Daily Value*

Fat 0.6g1%

Saturated Fat 0.1g1%

Trans Fat 0.2g

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g

Sodium 8.6mg0%

Carbohydrates 53.7g18%

Fiber 1.9g8%

Sugar 0.6g1%

Protein 5.2g10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 245.1kcalCarbohydrates: 53.7gProtein: 5.2gFat: 0.6gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gTrans Fat: 0.2gSodium: 8.6mgFiber: 1.9gSugar: 0.6g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!