New Mexico Spanish Rice
Bring the taste of the Southwest into your home with this recipe for New Mexico Spanish Rice. It’s an easy recipe to make when you are low on time and funds. We love it so much that it’s been added to our collection of Simple Rice Recipes!
This vibrant and flavorful dish is a testament to the cultural tapestry woven by the people of New Mexico, blending indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican influences into a mouthwatering symphony of taste and tradition.
New Mexico Spanish Rice is a celebration of the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the culinary landscape of the Southwest. As you savor each forkful, you’re not just tasting rice and tomatoes; you’re experiencing the fusion of Spanish, Mexican, and other flavors that make New Mexico Spanish Rice a true testament of southwestern cuisine.
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Reasons why you need to make this New Mexican Spanish Rice
Ingredients and tips for making this New Mexico Rice
Wondering what you need to make this rice? I have you covered below!
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- Long Grain Rice: This is the main ingredient in the entire recipe. Don’t skip it. We like to use Jasmine rice.
- Onions, bell pepper, and celery: Also known as the trinity in certain recipes. This is what gives the rice the savory taste.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The tomatoes compliment the taste once mixed with the trinity.
- Cumin and garlic: These spices help boost the savoriness of the recipe. The cumin helps with the southwestern flare.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth when cooked with rice, boosts the flavor of the entire dish.
- Green Chiles or Green Chile Sauce: This is what distinguishes New Mexican style dishes from regular Mexican dishes. Do not skip it! We like to use the 505 Green Chile Brand.
How Do You Store this New Mexico Spanish Rice?
Bring the rice to room temperature then store in an air tight glass container, such as these Pyrex Glass Food Storage Containers. Place it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What is the Best Sauce to Serve with this Rice?
Since it’s a southwestern recipe, we like to use the 505 Hatch Chile Brand. The spiciness of the chiles are infused into the rice, making the recipe taste like it came straight from New Mexico.
What is the Difference Between Spanish, Mexican, and New Mexican Rice?
Spanish rice is known for it’s yellowish color. Mexican rice has a reddish-orange color and is made with cumin. New Mexican rice also has a reddish-orange color, however, it also served with green or red chiles.
Can I Make this in the Rice Cooker? If So, What Brand of Rice Cooker Do You Recommend?
Yes! You can! We use an Aroma 6 Cup Rice Cooker to make ours. It has lasted us a long time (at least 10 years) and is super simple to operate. It also comes with a steamer bucket so you can add another ingredient while your rice is cooking.
More of Our Favorite Rice Recipes
If you are looking for rice recipes like the one above, then check out a few more of our favorite ones on the site and from our friends:
- Quick and Easy Spanish Rice
- Island Rice Recipe
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- How to Make Grandules Rice (Puerto Rican Rice)
- Red Chili Coconut Jasmine Rice
Helpful Kitchen Tools
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Ingredients
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
- 2 onions chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 2 celery ribs chopped
- 20 ounce crushed tomatoes undrained
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 14 ounce chicken broth
- green chile sauce (optional)
Equipment You’ll Need
Instructions
- In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the rice and cook until golden about 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add onions, bell pepper, celery, tomatoes, cumin, garlic cloves, and chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cover and lightly simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add the green chile sauce if desired. Mix well before serving.