Description
This easy Spanish Rice recipe features smoky turkey bacon and vibrant plant-based ingredients, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect as a flavorful side dish or a hearty main meal, it combines fluffy long-grain rice, fresh vegetables, and warm spices into a colorful and inviting dish ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Core Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent (such as pectin or agar) for saucier texture
- Chopped jalapeño or pinch of cayenne pepper (for spicy boost)
- Additional vegetables like corn, peas, or chopped zucchini
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon and Vegetables: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it is crispy and releases its flavorful fat. Remove the bacon and set aside. Use the bacon drippings in the pan to sauté diced onion, garlic, and green bell pepper until softened and fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Add the long-grain rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir frequently for 3 to 5 minutes, toasting the rice in the flavorful fat to enhance its aroma and add a subtle nutty taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Sprinkle in smoked paprika, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to evenly combine all ingredients throughout the rice. If a saucier texture is desired, whisk in the natural gelling agent to the liquids before adding.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet tightly. Let the rice simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir the crisp smoked turkey bacon back into the rice. Adjust seasoning if necessary, then fluff the mixture with a fork. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly ground smoked paprika and cumin for the best and most vibrant flavor.
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent a gummy texture.
- Cover the skillet tightly during cooking to trap steam and ensure fluffy rice.
- Adjust the amount of vegetable broth gradually if the rice starts to stick or needs more moisture.
- Let the rice rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld fully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Spanish Rice, smoked turkey bacon, vegetarian, plant-based, easy side dish, gluten free, weeknight meal
