Melt butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the rice in the pan and stir it frequently. Continue this process for 1 to 2 minutes or until the rice starts to take on a light brown color.
Add the chopped onions and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Place the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and pepper into the pan. Cook the mixture for 30 seconds, making sure to stir it constantly.
Add the diced tomatoes, along with their juices, chicken broth, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt to the pan. Stir the ingredients together, and then heat the mixture until it reaches a boil.Pro Tip: To include some of the juices from the canned tomatoes, spoon the tomatoes directly from the can. This method ensures that some of the juices are included with the tomatoes.
As soon as the mixture begins to boil, lower the heat to low. Then cover the pan and let it simmer for approximately 25 minutes. Pro Tip: You'll know it's ready when the rice becomes tender and the majority of the liquid has been absorbed.
Take off the lid and taste the rice to check the seasoning. If you feel it needs more salt, add it according to your taste. Keep in mind that the saltiness can differ between various brands of chicken broth.
Enjoy hot.
Notes
Expert Tips
Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your Spanish Rice turns out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don't miss a thing!
Choose the Right Rice: Using long-grain white rice is essential for this recipe, as it helps in achieving a fluffy texture. Avoid short-grain rice, which may become sticky.
Toast the Rice: Before adding liquids, sauté the rice in butter or olive oil until golden. This step unlocks extra flavor and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the rice before its final stage of cooking and adjust the seasonings like salt, paprika, and oregano as needed. It's easier to blend in additional flavor at this stage.