Easy and Flavorful Spanish Style Garlic Rice Recipe

Hi there, foodies! Today I want to show you how to make fluffy garlic rice — perfectly cooked and full of flavor. I’ve been meal-prepping at home for years now, and this has become one of my go-to side dishes.

When I cook for the week, I usually make a mix of veggies with something to go along — that “something” is often garlic rice, tabbouleh, wheat, mashed potatoes, or sometimes even lentils.

How to make fluffy garlic rice

Out of all the options, garlic rice is definitely the one I make most often. It’s my basic recipe for perfectly cooked rice — I prepare it almost every week as a side dish for two or three meals.

It’s great as a base or to serve alongside saucy dishes. Every once in a while, I like to play with variations — maybe add a few strands of saffron or thyme, or cook it in vegetable or chicken broth instead of plain water.

At home, I love serving this garlic rice next to dishes like chicken chilindron, chicken with onions, beef ragu with raisins, or pork stew with shallot sauce. It also works wonderfully in rice salads.

Here’s how to make it:

Easy and Flavorful Spanish Style Garlic Rice Recipe

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Autor: Damián Serrano
Personas: 4 Tiempo: 30 min Dificultad: Fácil

Ingredientes

• 1 cup (200 g) long-grain rice
• 2 cups (480 ml) water or chicken/vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• A few saffron threads or herbs (optional)
• Salt, to taste

Elaboración

1. In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Peel the garlic cloves and crush them lightly so they release more flavor — you can do this with the flat side of a knife (carefully!).
   
3. Add the crushed garlic cloves and sauté gently until lightly golden — don’t let them burn.
4. Add the rice and stir well so every grain gets coated with the oil.
5. Pour in the water (or broth) and add the bay leaves.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
8. Remove from the heat, take out the garlic and bay leaves, drizzle a few drops of olive oil, and fluff gently with a fork.
9. And that’s it — you’ll see how fluffy and perfectly cooked this garlic rice turns out. Enjoy!

 

Sugerencias, trucos y consejos

• Use vegetable or chicken broth for extra flavor and richness.
• Experiment with other herbs you like — thyme, saffron, or even a pinch of curry powder work beautifully.

arroz

 

Now you know how to make perfect garlic rice

Did you like this recipe? I hope you’ll give it a try and see for yourself how fluffy and full of flavor it comes out. The subtle touch of garlic and bay leaves makes all the difference.

Leave me a comment below to tell me how it turned out for you — or share your own twist if you have a personal version you love. And if you’ve got any questions about the cooking process, don’t hesitate to ask right there.

Finally, if you’re a fan of rice side dishes, go ahead and show some love — rate the recipe, hit “like,” and share it on your socials so more people can enjoy it too.

See you next time!