If you're looking for the perfect dish to contribute to a family get-together, this amazingly flavorful and ridiculously simple Spanish Rice Casserole is the recipe you've been dreaming of! This casserole is so easy, it's almost too good to be true. Packed with the delicious flavors of cumin, oregano, onion, cilantro, tomatoes and chili powder, this bright rice dish is further brought to life on the dinner table with a fresh squeeze of lemon and fresh cilantro leaves.
A fantastic dish to enjoy with the little ones, feel free to cut out the chili powder altogether if there is any aversion to spice. We love this dish served as a side to roasted chicken or as part of a fantastic Spanish tapas themed night. Chorizo pairs wonderfully with this dish, as do black beans and fresh tomato salsa. This is one of those incredible dishes that pairs well with just about everything!
Spanish Rice Casserole
Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 1 hour Serves:4-6
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups (460g) plain white or basmati rice 3 1/2 cups (830ml) chicken stock 1 1/4 cups (295ml) water 1/2 cup (120g) tomato sauce 1 small white onion, chopped 1 small plum tomato, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro 5 tablespoons butter, melted 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 3-quart casserole dish or 9" x 13" casserole pan. Pour the rice into the bottom of the dish and spread evenly.
2. Pour the chicken stock, water, tomato sauce, onion, tomato, garlic, butter and spices and stir well until everything is combined. Chop the stems of the cilantro into 1/2 cm long pieces and stir them into the rice mixture. Pick the leaves and reserve to one side for later use.
3. Cover the casserole tightly with tin foil and place into the oven for 50 minutes - 1 hour or until the rice is fluffy and cooked through. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and fresh cilantro leaves.
TIP: For some meatiness, add in some diced chicken breasts along with the rice and enjoy! We recommend serving this dish with black beans and a dollop of sour cream!
