Sautéed Chorizo and Bell Pepper Spanish Rice
A vibrant Spanish rice dish featuring spicy chorizo and sweet bell peppers, cooked to fluffy perfection with saffron and smoked paprika. This spanish-inspired spanish ready in about 45 minutes pairs sliced chorizo sausage, (200 g) long grain rice, medium, diced red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 200 g, sliced chorizo sausage
- 1 cup (200 g) long grain rice
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced yellow bell pepper
- 1 small, finely chopped onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp saffron threads
- 2 cups (480 ml), warm chicken broth
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 200 g sliced chorizo sausage and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the edges are crispy and the fat renders out.
- Step 2: Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 diced yellow bell pepper, cooking for 4-5 minutes until tender but still vibrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/4 tsp saffron threads, stirring to coat the vegetables and chorizo well.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 cup (200 g) long grain rice and toast it with the mixture for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the rice is translucent at edges.
- Step 6: Slowly add 2 cups (480 ml) warm chicken broth, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Step 7: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 8: Remove from heat and let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chorizo and Bell Pepper Spanish Rice take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Chorizo and Bell Pepper Spanish Rice?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sliced chorizo sausage from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chorizo and Bell Pepper Spanish Rice?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Chorizo and Bell Pepper Spanish Rice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sautéed Chorizo and Bell Pepper Spanish Rice?
Spanish spanish like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
