Quick Spanish Rice ***

Man, we love this stuff!  Dh and I agree that we really like it much better than the Rice-a-Roni and Lipton kind of stuff.  The best part, though, is that it's so low in sodium and doesn't hardly have a kick to it at all.  The kids can eat it with no problems.  It's not their favorite side dish, but they'll eat it.  I again subbed the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and I just used regular chicken broth this time. 

QUICK SPANISH RICE
(luckymommyto2boys ~ Amy ~ Recipezaar)

1 (15 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 ½ cups chicken stock
1 ¼ cups rice
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
2 teaspoons chili powder
¾ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon cumin

In medium saucepan, combine all ingredients (I usually mash tomatoes with potato masher or give them a quick spin in food processor).
Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer 25 minutes or until rice is done. (Unless you like sticky, gooey rice, don't take off the lid and stir at all until it is done).
Garnish with green onions and/or cheddar cheese.
* Amy's notes: I subbed brown rice, fire-roasted tomatoes, and garlic powder with salt.

PREVIOUS REVIEWS:
6/28/10
Normally, when I make Spanish Rice, I use the Lipton packages. I decided I wanted to try a healthier homemade version, so that I could sub brown rice and cut down on some of the sodium. This was so easy and so good! I actually preferred it over the Lipton ones, because those are normally too spicy for the kids. This one only had the chili powder and cumin, so it there was no heat to it. Factor in what a cumin fan I am, and I was one happy chica. The boys loved it too. I did end up smashing the tomatoes a little, but not a whole lot. I subbed fire-roasted diced tomatoes, because that's our preference. I didn't have any garlic salt (no clue where it's hiding in my spice cabinet), so I just used about ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp garlic powder. It was still good. I just noticed that it says you can garnish with cheese. I'm sure that would be great, but it really doesn't need it, in my opinion. I served it with White Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chile Sour Cream Sauce.