>I like rice dishes, and the family does, too. We keep a few rice mixes (Rice-a-Roni and Zatarain’s) in the pantry, but I’d really like to cook more from scratch. Lately I’ve been experimenting with Spanish Rice as a side dish to go with refried beans as a side for tacos & burritos & fajitas. All are simple suppers, and rice is a simple side dish. Right? Well, maybe.

I tried cooking the rice in water flavored with taco seasoning. The results were okay, but not stellar.
Cooking the rice in beef or chicken broth worked a little better. A teaspoon of chili powder and/or red pepper flakes helped, too. Diced onion and green & red peppers made a nice addition to the flavor as well.

But I still feel like this version of what I call Arroz Mexicano (and serve most often in combination with Frijoles, refried beans) needs something more.

Ideas, anyone? What are your favorite ways to spice up rice?