Spanish Cheese Rice Recipe

Welcome to Rice Cookers 101! Today, I’m excited to share with you a delicious and simple recipe for Spanish cheese rice. This flavorful dish can be served as a side or a main course, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting meal at home. Made with creamy Spanish cheese, aromatic onions and spices, and fluffy rice cooked to perfection in a rice cooker, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Let’s get cooking! We’ve made this spanish cheese rice recipe easy to follow 👨‍🍳. If you’re looking for our favorite rice cookers to make this recipe, check out our list of top rice cookers here.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of white rice
• 2 cups of water
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of grated Manchego cheese
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and red bell pepper to the pot and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it in the onion mixture.
6. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
8. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-7 minutes.
9. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
10. Add the grated Manchego and Parmesan cheeses and stir until the cheese is melted and the rice is coated.
11. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
12. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

How long does spanish cheese rice last in the fridge?

Spanish cheese rice can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days after cooking. It is important to store the rice in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. When reheating the rice, make sure to heat it thoroughly until it is piping hot. It’s not recommended to freeze the dish as the texture of the rice may become mushy when thawed. Additionally, it’s important to note that if the rice has been sitting outside for over 2 hours, it should not be refrigerated and should be discarded to prevent foodborne illness.

Low calorie spanish cheese rice recipe substitutions

To make this Spanish cheese rice recipe lower in calories, you could make a few substitutions. Firstly, you can replace the olive oil with a calorie-free cooking spray to reduce the amount of added oil. Secondly, you could use brown rice instead of white rice which would add more fiber and make it more filling. You can also use low-sodium broth to reduce the sodium content. To further cut down the calories, you could use half of the suggested amount of cheese, or use a low-fat cheese or nutritional yeast instead. Additionally, you can add more veggies such as spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini to increase the nutrients and decrease the calorie density of the dish. Finally, seasoning the dish with herbs and spices instead of salt can help reduce the sodium content and boost the flavor.

What to serve with a spanish cheese rice?

Spanish cheese rice is a rich and flavorful dish that can stand on its own, but it’s always nice to serve it with some complementary sides to balance out the flavors and textures. A simple green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette is a great option to add some freshness and crunch to the meal. You can also serve some grilled or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or bell peppers, for a colorful and nutritious addition. And of course, some crusty bread or homemade tortillas are always a hit to soak up the delicious sauce from the rice.

Whats the best sauce for a spanish cheese rice?

For Spanish cheese rice, the best sauce would be a tomato-based sauce with a hint of spice, such as a spicy tomato salsa or a simple tomato sauce with added spices like chili powder, cumin, or paprika. This enhances the flavors of the cheese and rice while also providing a slight kick of heat. Alternatively, a creamy cheese sauce that complements the flavor profiles of the cheese used in the dish could also work well, such as a queso blanco or a melted manchego cheese sauce. Overall, the sauce selected should complement the cheese and rice, not overpower them, and add a burst of flavor to the dish.

Spanish cheese rice health benefits

Spanish cheese rice is a delicious and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to its high fat and sodium content. However, if you use whole-grain rice and low-fat cheese, it can still be enjoyed in moderation. A better option for a healthier meal would be brown rice and vegetable stir-fry with lean protein like grilled chicken or tofu. This dish is loaded with veggies, whole grains, and lean protein, providing a balance of nutrients and fiber that will keep you full and satisfied for hours. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking with a variety of veggies and seasoning options.