Authentic Spanish Rice Recipe with Peas

Our Family's Favorite Spanish Rice

My mom is from Havana, Cuba. She made this dish all the time. It has been part of our family meals for as long as I can remember.

In just 30 minutes, you can have a pot of hot, flavorful Spanish rice—perfect with any meal! It’s an easy side dish that’s great for Taco Tuesday or whenever you want a little extra something on your plate.

This Spanish rice is closer to Mexican arroz rojo, with a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s the kind of rice you get at Mexican restaurants alongside enchiladas and tacos. Simple, delicious, and always a hit!

Is Mexican Rice Different?

Mexican rice has a bold, slightly spicy flavor with a fluffy texture, thanks to spices like cumin and chili powder. Cuban Spanish rice is milder, cooked with tomato sauce, garlic, and onions, making it a little richer and saucier.

Add spices to your Spanish rice to boost its flavor. Use cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, and a bay leaf.

What Type of Rice Goes into Spanish Rice?

Our homemade Spanish Rice truly shines when made with Uncle Ben's Converted White Rice.

I've tried many kinds of rice over the years. I've used Uncle Ben's white rice, jasmine, short grain, long grain white, and basmati. But Uncle Ben's rice always gives me good results.

What makes converted rice special is the way it’s processed. It's parboiled and pressure-steamed before drying.

This process locks in nutrients, gives it a darker color, and helps the grains stay firm and separate when cooked.

This process also reduces stickiness, improving the texture and making cleanup a breeze after your meal!

Do I have to defrost the peas?

The peas will thaw and cook quickly in the heat of the dish.

You can select from petite peas, green peas, or spring peas—any type works well.

They add color, sweetness, and flavor to Spanish rice! Trust me, it's not quite the same without them!

For the Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is different from marinara sauce. You can usually find it near the canned tomatoes in your local grocery store. A great option is Pomi from Italy, as it contains only tomatoes and has no preservatives.

If you can't find Pomi, you can use an 8-ounce can of Del Monte or Hunt's tomato sauce instead.

In a pinch, marinara sauce can also serve as a substitute—I've tested it myself, and it works just fine!

Step-by-step instructions

1. In a 3-quart saucepan or small pot, over medium-high heat, add oil. Let it heat for a few minutes.
2. Add onions and peppers and season with a little salt and pepper. Sauté for a few minutes until soft.
3. Add minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds.
4. Add remaining ingredients, and mix.
5. Raise heat to high; bring to a boil. Stir it and lower the heat to the lowest setting on your stove.
6. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Set a timer for 20 minutes.
7. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir it all up and serve hot.

What goes with Spanish rice?

What pairs well with Spanish rice with peas? Well, according to my mom, the answer is simple: everything!

In a Cuban household, Spanish rice is a versatile dish that can grace the dinner table for any occasion. Its rich flavor complements chicken, beef, and fish, making it a delicious accompaniment straight from the pot.

In your favorite Mexican restaurant, you might find Spanish rice served alongside cheese or chicken enchiladas and refried beans.

Here are some great main courses to enjoy alongside your rice:

For additional sides, try black beans, refried beans, sour cream, sliced jalapenos, and green onions.

And don't forget, Spanish rice also makes a fantastic side for your burgers and steaks!

Storage and Reheating

To store the rice, let it cool to room temperature after cooking. Then, put it in an airtight container and refrigerate it.

When you reheat the rice, add a splash of water or broth. This helps keep it from drying out. You can heat it on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in the oven until it's warm. 

To freeze Spanish rice, put it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Leave some space for it to expand. Don’t forget to label the container with the date.

Store it in the back of the freezer to avoid exposure to warm air when the door is opened. Properly stored, Spanish rice can be frozen for up to a month.

Takeaway

Spanish rice is super easy to make—just a few simple ingredients, one pot, and about 30 minutes of your time.

With rice, tomatoes, and some seasonings, you can whip up a tasty side dish without any fuss. There are no complicated techniques or special skills needed—just stir, simmer, and let it cook. It’s the perfect addition to Taco Tuesday or any meal that could use a little extra flavor.

Spanish rice with peas is a colorful and delicious dish that combines fluffy rice with the natural sweetness of peas.

The mix of tasty tomato sauce, onions, garlic, and bell peppers with green peas creates a great side dish or main course.

Uncle Ben's Converted Rice is an excellent choice for making Spanish rice. It cooks nicely, keeping the grains separate and fluffy, which enhances the dish's texture. You’ll really appreciate how well this rice pairs with the sweet peas.

This easy Spanish rice recipe takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and goes perfectly with our Key West Shrimp Tacos.

Not only is this recipe tasty, but it’s also gluten-free, vegan, and friendly for vegetarians.