Instant Pot Spanish Rice with Salsa

Easy Instant Pot Spanish rice with salsa.

This restaurant favorite one pot dish and can be easily made in the instant pot.

Serve it a side with tacos, burritos, enchiladas or enjoy it with guacamole and chips.

What is Spanish Rice?

Spanish rice also refereed as Mexican rice is made by sautéing onion, peppers and garlic in oil. After the onion turns soft, rice and spices are added and coated with the onion mixture. Finally, vegetable broth and salsa are added and the rice is pressure cooked till nice and fluffy.

You will love this recipe

• because it is a one pot meal

• made with pantry staple ingredients

• its vegan and vegetarian

• a great make ahead recipe

Ingredients:

Ingredient note:

Long grain rice – I used white basmati rice

Bell Pepper – any colored bell pepper works

Salsa – it’s important to use a good quality salsa for the overall taste. I have used mediumly spiced salsa.

Liquid – definitely will recommend using vegetable broth, but water will work too.

Step by Step Photo Instructions:

Prep work-

Chop the onion and bell pepper, garlic and jalapeno.

Wash the rice about two to three times till water runs clear. Drain the water and set a side.

1- Press saute mode in your instant pot and add the oil. Once the oil gets hot, add the onion and bell pepper and cook till soft, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds.

2- Add the rice and coat with oil. Now add salt, cumin powder and jalapeno ( or red chili powder). Mix it well and cancel the saute mode. (Do not saute the the rice for more than 30 seconds, if not the rice will become dry and will not cook properly)

3- Immediately add the stock ( or water) and mix. Degalze the pot to avoid burning. Finally add the salsa on the top, do not mix.

4- Secure the lid and adjust the vent to sealing position. Cook on high for 6 minutes and wait for 10 minutes to release the pressure.

5 – Once done, the rice may look little wet but will absorb the moisture in few minutes.

6- Fluff the rice with a fork and cover it with a glass lid for 3 minutes. Finally add some coriander leaves and serve.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve it as a main meal with chips and guacamole or 7 layer bean dip. You can also serve as a side with tacos, burritos and enchiladas.

Spanish rice is also a great lunch box dish for kids and adults.

Pro Tips:

Saute the onion, bell pepper till soft and saute the garlic till raw smell goes away. Sauteing adds so much flavor to the rice

Use vegetable broth to add more taste and flavor to the rice.

Add lots of coriander with the stems to give fresh vibrant taste to the Spanish rice.

WHAT KIND OF RICE TO USE-

Long grain rice is preferred, I used basmati rice which I bought in Indian store.

SHOULD I RINSE THE RICE?
Yes, rinse the rice with water about 2 to 3 times until water runs clear.

What is the difference between Mexican rice and Spanish rice?

Though the names are sometimes interchanged, there is no much difference in the recipe, sometimes Spanish rice has saffron in it.

Few easy dinner ideas-

Masala Vegetable Quesadilla

Easy Spaghetti with Raos Sauce

Instant Pot Puerto Rican Rice and Beans

If you tried this recipe, don’t forget to give a star rating below.

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