If you're on the hunt for a simple yet delicious side dish, look no further than this vegan Spanish rice recipe! It only requires a few pantry staples but provides a vibrant, fluffy, and aromatic accompaniment to any meal. Serve it with tacos, in burritos, bowls, and more!
Begin by heating the olive oil in a saucepan or high-walled skillet over medium. Add the diced onions, letting them cook until they're translucent. Stir in the garlic and let it cook just until it's aromatic. Be careful not to burn it!
Add the rice, toasting it to a nice golden color, which should take a few minutes. This step gives the rice a distinctive nutty flavor and helps it absorb the liquids later on.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. You can add a pinch of salt here, but remember, you can always add more later. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then cover the pan, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until the liquid absorbs.
When the rice is done, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit with the lid on for a few extra minutes. This gives the rice time to finish steaming. Fluff it with a fork, then serve it immediately with your favorite Mexican meals. Happy eating!