Poor Man's Spanish Rice
By Jim Bauer
@porwest (112739)
United States
October 6, 2025 7:41pm CST
I love Spanish rice, but when I eat it, it's hardly ever Spanish rice in the traditional sense. But what I make is still very good, and now I am resorting to calling it Poor Man's Spanish Rice.
Okay. I'm not poor. But I do know how to stretch a budget, which is probably part of the reason I am not, and I like to think I am creative in the kitchen.
I always make this a little different every time, but for this batch I cut up some onion, some red bell pepper and some celery.
Sauté that in a saucepan with some butter for a few minutes, then add in some raw Jasmine rice and cook that up until the rice is brown. Then add in some salsa and some water and cook the rice like you would normally cook it, boiling it for about 12 minutes or so before covering it and letting it all soak in.
This is good eats and a great side. Do you make Spanish rice, and if you do, what's your secret recipe?
12 people like this
14 responses
I like it.
@rsa101 (42077)
• Philippines
7 Oct 25
This dish looks a lot like "paella," which resembles our own local Spanish-inspired version. However, it comes with a price tag that could make your wallet weep! It's not exactly a meal for the masses but rather a culinary delight reserved for those with deeper pockets who can afford to indulge.
3 people like this
@porwest (112739)
• United States
7 Oct 25
I have never had any problem cooking raw rice. I just bring the water to a boil, then add in 1 cup of rice and 2 1/4 cups of water, boil it for 10-12 minutes, stirring it occasionally, then take it off the heat and cover. It comes out really good.
@Traceyjayne (14397)
• United Kingdom
7 Oct 25
I don’t make Spanish rice myself but I have had it when I’ve eaten out.
2 people like this
@lovebuglena (51233)
• Staten Island, New York
8 Oct 25
What makes the Spanish rice yellow? If I ever make rice at home, I usually use basmati rice. I love it. I tried Jasmine once and it was pretty good too.
2 people like this
@lovebuglena (51233)
• Staten Island, New York
9 Oct 25
@porwest I’m thinking of Goya Spanish rice. I think it’s yellow unless it is really orange lol.
1 person likes this
@porwest (112739)
• United States
10 Oct 25
@lovebuglena I am sure Spanish rice is not supposed to be yellow. lol Saffron rice is, though.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (52154)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
7 Oct 25
I much prefer plain rice with some butter.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (101358)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
7 Oct 25
I usually do different things but with cooked rice, Like add some fried bacon and tomatoes or sauté it with some red beans and so on,
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (18981)
• West Haven, Connecticut
13 Oct 25
Looks good to me, do you add any heat to it?
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222976)
• United States
7 Oct 25
Sounds good. My mother used to make Spanish rice. She was a horrific cook; but her rice was edible.
1 person likes this
@Nevena83 (66052)
• Serbia
7 Oct 25
It looks delicious. I haven't tried Spanish rice. Your dish looks very delicious.
@Ghostlady (2497)
• United States
7 Oct 25
I learned to make Spanish Rice from my ex Mother-in-law in Mexico. You put diced onions and garlic in a skillet with oil. Saute them, then add fresh cut tomatoes. Put in rice and stir it in that mixture for a minute or so then add hot water. Take 2 Chicken Cubes and shave/cut it in small pieces. Then let it simmer for until the liquid is just enough. Other than the rice and Chicken cubes she just added what she thought would be enough. LOL Loved it
