Gluten Free Spanish Rice is a flavourful side dish.  This fluffy rice dish is the perfect complement to a variety of meals.

Rice, tomato and a variety of spices give life to this recipe.  Adjust the spices to suit your tastes.

This recipe yields 4 -6  servings of deliciousness.

Enjoy the flavour combinations and textures in every bite!

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

To begin making Gluten Free Spanish Rice I diced half a yellow onion.

Then I put some olive oil and a bit of butter into a sauce pan over medium heat.

Once the butter melted I added in the chopped onions.

While the onions were softening (about 7 minutes), I chopped up a tomato.

When the onions were soft I added some long grain white rice to the sauce pan and stirred it for about 2 minutes.

After 2 minutes I added in some tomato paste and garlic powder.

Once the ingredients were combined I stirred in the chopped tomato and measured in some crushed chilies, sea salt, dried oregano and cumin.

Next I poured in some chicken broth.  You could also use vegetable broth.

When the broth started to boil I placed the lid on the pot and reduced the heat to simmer.

I allowed the rice to simmer for about 15 minutes or until the broth was absorbed.

I returned the lid to the pot, removed the pot from the heat and allowed the rice to sit for about 10 more minutes.

After 10 minutes I removed the lid and fluffed the rice well with a fork.

Depending on the occasion, serve directly from the pot or transfer to a serving bowl.

This flavourful side dish will add colour as well as flavour to your plate.

Gluten Free Spanish Rice is sure to spice up your meal any day of the week and any time of the year!

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

More Side Dishes You Will Love…

PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make this Gluten Free Spanish Rice:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 a white onion, diced
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/2 tsp crushed chilies
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

How to Make Gluten Free Spanish Rice:

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium sized pot over medium heat.
2. Dice the onion.
3. Add onion to the heated oil and melted butter.  Cook until softened.  About 7 minutes.
4. Dice the tomato while onion is cooking.
5. Add the rice and cook while stirring for about 2 minutes.
6. Stir in the tomato paste and garlic powder.
7. Stir in the tomato, crushed chilies, cumin, salt and oregano.
8. Add the broth.
9. Bring to a boil and then cover.  Reduce the heat to simmer for about 15 minutes or until the broth is absorbed.
10. Remove from heat and keep covered for another 10 minutes.
11. Before serving fluff the rice up with a fork.
12. Serve and enjoy!

FAQS:

What should I serve with gluten free Spanish rice?

Gluten-free Spanish rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, enhancing their flavors while providing a satisfying meal. Here are some options to consider serving alongside gluten-free Spanish rice:

1. Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Serve grilled or roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, onions, or tomatoes. They add a burst of color, flavor, and nutrients to the meal.
2. Grilled Chicken or Fish: A protein-rich option like grilled chicken breasts or fish fillets complements Spanish rice nicely. Season the protein with a Spanish-inspired spices like paprika. 
3. Black Beans or Pinto Beans: Beans are a traditional accompaniment to Spanish rice, adding protein and fiber to the meal. Serve them as a side dish or mix them directly into the rice for added texture and flavor.
4. Avocado Salad: A simple avocado salad with diced avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil makes a refreshing side dish that balances the richness of the Spanish rice.
5. Corn Tortillas: Warm corn tortillas are a classic accompaniment to Spanish rice. They can be served on the side for scooping up the rice or used to make tacos filled with your choice of protein and toppings.
6. Guacamole and Salsa: Serve homemade guacamole and salsa as flavorful condiments to add extra zing to the meal. They can be used as toppings for the rice or as dips for tortilla chips.
7. Salad with Citrus Dressing: A light and refreshing salad featuring mixed greens, sliced oranges or grapefruit, red onion, and a citrus vinaigrette dressing pairs well with the robust flavors of Spanish rice.
8. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Marinated and grilled shrimp skewers make a delicious addition to Spanish rice. The combination of succulent shrimp with the savory rice creates a satisfying meal.
9. Roasted Corn: Roasted corn kernels sprinkled over the Spanish rice add sweetness and texture. You can also mix the roasted corn directly into the rice for a flavor boost.
10. Plantain Chips: Crispy plantain chips provide a crunchy contrast to the tender Spanish rice. They can be served on the side or used for scooping up the rice and toppings.

Feel free to mix and match these options based on your preferences and dietary restrictions to create a well-balanced and flavorful meal.

How do I store gluten free Spanish rice?

To store gluten-free Spanish rice properly, follow these steps:

1. Cooling: Allow the Spanish rice to cool down to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the rice soggy.
2. Storage Containers: Transfer the rice into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Make sure the containers are clean and dry to prevent any contamination.
3. Refrigeration: Store the rice in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within a few days. Properly stored, gluten-free Spanish rice can last in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
4. Reheating: Reheat the stored rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s piping hot. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent the rice from drying out during reheating.
5. Quality Check: Before consuming the stored rice, check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or unusual texture. If the rice looks or smells suspicious, discard it to avoid foodborne illness.

By following these steps, you can safely store gluten-free Spanish rice and enjoy it later without compromising its quality or taste.

Can I freeze gluten free Spanish rice?

Yes, you can freeze gluten-free Spanish rice. Freezing rice is a great way to preserve it for later use. Here’s how you can freeze gluten-free Spanish rice:

1. Allow the Spanish rice to cool completely before freezing. This helps prevent condensation and ice crystals from forming inside the container.
2. Portion the rice into airtight freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. It’s a good idea to portion the rice into meal-sized servings for easier thawing and serving later on.
3. Make sure to press out any excess air from the containers or bags before sealing them tightly. This helps prevent freezer burn.
4. Label the containers or bags with the date of freezing to keep track of how long they’ve been in the freezer.
5. Place the containers or bags of Spanish rice in the freezer and store them flat to save space.

When you’re ready to use the frozen Spanish rice:

1. Thaw the rice in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours before reheating. This gradual thawing helps maintain the rice’s texture.
2. Reheat the rice either in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven until it’s heated through. You may need to add a little bit of water or broth to the rice while reheating to prevent it from drying out.
3. Once reheated, serve the Spanish rice as desired.

By following these steps, you can freeze gluten-free Spanish rice and enjoy it later with minimal loss of quality.