Spanish Tomato Rice with Smoked Chipotle

Spanish Tomato Rice with Smoked Chipotle
Diet Info: DF GF F LF Na LS VG V Fa

Call it Spanish tomato rice or Mexican tomato rice, result is a red-orange tint-ed, and full-flavored rice,  packed with mouthwatering tangy tomato-y taste. 

Mexican taste of rice is pretty close to taste and texture of rice we eat in my family. Little zesty, flavorful, aromatic, and self-sufficient. I mean, they are more than just a side. In-fact, a bowl of this rice can call for a SIDE of chicken and dinner is served.... stress is on chicken as side here ;)

Spanish Tomato Rice - one pot of delicious rice side, ready in no time!

Often, Spanish tomato rice are flavored with tomato paste concentrate to add that rich reddish-orange color. I, however, prefer to only use fresh tomatoes for few reasons - one for fresh tomato-y taste and second, for fresh tomato-y taste, and third for fresh... you know what.. :)  I often also add a little smokey heat of chipotle pepper too. Use of chipotle totally depends on availability. So feel free to skip it if you like. Or replace chipotle-in-adobo with fresh flakes of chipotle or chipotle powder. Worth mentioning ..... these few adjustments make these tomato rice pretty unique yet very Spanish to me. 

Spanish Tomato Rice cooked with fresh tomatoes and little heat of smokey chipotles!

You can prepare these rice many ways - in rice cooker, in a deep pan, like I did, or even in oven. The basic method of cooking stays the same, cooking can be finished anyway you like. In other words, for finishing in oven, cook up-to step 3, then add all ingredients to an oven proof deep casserole, place tight lid and cook for 25 minutes or cook per package direction, until rice are done to your liking.

Spanish Tomato Rice - one pot of delicious rice side, ready in no time!

I am glad to share this easy recipe with you all. I hope you enjoy!

Mexican Tomato Rice - flavorful smoke-y tomato-y !

Spanish Tomato Rice with Smoked Chipotle

Spanish Tomato Rice with Smoked Chipotle
Total Time: Prep Time: Cook Time: Cuisine: Mexican () Difficulty: Easy
Yields: 4 Servings - Serves: 4
(2 substantial or 4 side servings with chicken/tofu.)

Ingredients

Smart Swap: You can also use brown rice or qunioa instead of rice.

Directions

  • Step for Recipe - Spanish Tomato Rice with Smoked Chipotle 1. Heat oil in a deep, heavy bottom pan. Saute onion, garlic, and cumin powder until onions are translucent and soft. (about 2-3 minutes)
    Step for Recipe - Spanish Tomato Rice with Smoked Chipotle 2. In meantime, puree tomatoes or grate tomatoes and chop chipotle pepper (if using).
  • Step for Recipe - Spanish Tomato Rice with Smoked Chipotle 3. Once onion are soft, add minced chipotle and tomato puree into the pan.
    Step for Recipe - Spanish Tomato Rice with Smoked Chipotle 4. Bring to boil and then cook at medium high heat until oil starts to separate from tomatoes. (about 8 minutes)
  • Step for Recipe - Spanish Tomato Rice with Smoked Chipotle 5. Add washed rice into the cooking tomato-onion mix.
    Step for Recipe - Spanish Tomato Rice with Smoked Chipotle 6. Mix well, and then saute rice in tomato-onion mix for 2 minutes.
  • Step for Recipe - Spanish Tomato Rice with Smoked Chipotle 7. Add 2 cups vegetable broth or water and mix well. Taste the liquid and adjust salt. Bring mixture to a rolling boil.
    Step for Recipe - Spanish Tomato Rice with Smoked Chipotle 8. Reduce heat and simmer for 7-8 minutes, covered with a tight lid. Once done, leave rice covered for 5 minutes before serving. Additional Notes: Water will be all absorbed after cooking and resting for 5 minutes.
  • Step for Recipe - Spanish Tomato Rice with Smoked Chipotle 9. Just before serving, chop fresh cilantro and fluff into the rice with fork. Serve with beans or meat of your choice.
Savita's Notes:

The best way to season rice correctly every-time, is to taste the broth after mixing water/stock into the rice. If broth tastes a little sharper than you want cooked rice to taste, your rice will come out perfectly seasoned. This is the best time you can adjust salt, pepper, sourness, or any other flavor you have added in the rice.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? Tag @SAVITACHEFDEHOME on Instagram and hashtag it #SAVITACHEFDEHOME

© Chef De Home. Post content including video and photos are copyright protected.

We Think You'll Love

Leave a Message:

Did you try the recipe? Do you have feedback or a question? Leave a message below.

*Name and Email are required.

7 Responses

  1. I make the dish at home, my sister loves the dish.
  2. yummy
    thanks, Tracy!
  3. Hi Savita! I am planning to try this recipe tonight. Tell me one thing Nick, can I add vegetables in this recipe. I am waiting for your response. Thanks!
    Hi Malin, veggies will go good in these rice. I prefer adding green peas, some cauliflower or zuchini too. I hope it helps.
  4. Indeed looks spicy and mouth-watering! Super YUMMY!
    Anu, thank! It sure is little spicy preparation. Everyone in my home is spice freak :)