By Wendy Zitzman
One of my favorite things about entrees from a Mexican restaurant is the sides of rice and beans that come along with them.
Since I’m a huge fan of Mexican food, I’ve pretty much become addicted to these popular side dishes. However, the restaurant version of Spanish rice isn’t so Weight Watchers-friendly. It’s actually a pretty easy dish to makeover, and the end result is a delicious and incredibly flavorful low-calorie Spanish Rice that tastes just as good as the kind you’d get in a restaurant, but less greasy and a lot more fresh tasting. And just 4 Points per serving!
So instead of indulging at your favorite Mexican restaurant, make this healthy Spanish Rice at home yourself, and save yourself some Points and some $$.
Enjoy!
The perfect accompaniment to your favorite Mexican food entrée, this low-calorie Spanish rice recipe is not only Weight Watchers friendly, but it’s also delicious, healthy, and loaded with fiber and protein.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep TimePrep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook TimeCook Time 25 minutes mins
Total TimeTotal Time 35 minutes mins
ServingsServings 6
CaloriesCalories 148 kcal
Equipment
1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 small onion - minced
- 2 garlic cloves - minced
- 28 oz diced tomatoes - 1 can
- 4 oz mild green chilies - 1 can
- 2 cups fat free chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp coriander
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
Instructions
Spray a large, non-stick skillet with non-fat cooking spray and set over medium/high heat. Add in rice and brown for about 3-4 minutes.
Add in onion and garlic. Cook onion rice mixture, stirring frequently, for about 4 minutes, or until onions are softened.
Add in broth and bring to a simmer.
Stir in tomatoes, chiles, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and coriander. Bring to a simmer.
Lower heat to medium, cover and cook 15-25 minutes, depending on the type of rice and the instructions on the rice package.
Remove from heat, fluff with a fork and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 cupCalories: 148 kcal (7%)Carbohydrates: 32 g (11%)Protein: 4 g (8%)Fat: 1 g (2%)Fiber: 2 g (8%)
Course: Dinner Recipes, Side Dish Recipes
Cuisine: Mexican Recipes, Spanish Recipes
Diet: Low Calorie Recipes, Low Fat Recipes
Keyword: Light Spanish Rice
Main Ingredient: Tomato Recipes, Vegetable Recipes
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
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AuthorWendy Zitzman
As your average, every day, All American woman, I look forward to sharing with you my thoughts and ideas on many different topics that interest me such as dieting, health & fitness. Trust me when I tell you that this is one site you NEED to bookmark! I have the most amazing recipes with Weight Watchers Points that you won’t believe are low calorie! As an avid Weight Watchers follower, I have learned so many helpful tips and tools over the years that I am eager to share.
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5 Comments
Melissa9 years ago
You don’t specify a cup of cooked rice or uncooked rice. That makes a HUGE difference.
Mandie33311 years ago
I was kind of bummed on my first try of this recipe. My brown rice was not instant, and therefore still crunchy/hard. I tried adding water and cooking longer, but still no good. Also, next time I will omit the coriander. I guess I’ve never cooked with it and had no idea how strong it’s flavor is.
I’m not giving up, with work with it again – as I LOVE spanish rice! Thanks for the recipe!
LaaLooshPost Author11 years ago
Brown rice can be tricky…it takes longer to cook than white rice and the texture is more course. It’s taken me a while to learn how to prepare it just right. I’ve had great success with Trader Joe’s 15 Minute Quick Cook Organic Brown Rice.
Tammy4 years ago
If your going to write a recipe blog than you should answer questions that are asked, otherwise don’t put up recipes. I found this recipe in 2019 and still no answers to the questions.
angiebanangie11 years ago
Looks great! Is it supposed to be a 4 oz or 40 oz can of green chilies?
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