spanish rice: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal to Neutral (culinary)
Quick answer
What does “spanish rice” mean?
A dish of rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, often colored with saffron or turmeric.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dish of rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, often colored with saffron or turmeric.
A general term for rice dishes with Spanish or Latin American influences; in the US, it often refers specifically to a Mexican-style side dish.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it typically refers to a paella-like dish or rice with Spanish flavors. In American English, it is often synonymous with 'Mexican rice' or 'red rice', a common side dish in Tex-Mex cuisine.
Connotations
UK: evokes Spanish cuisine, possibly more authentic. US: often associated with casual, home-style cooking or Mexican restaurant fare.
Frequency
More frequent in American English, especially in regions with strong Mexican culinary influence.
Grammar
How to Use “spanish rice” in a Sentence
cook [spanish rice]serve [spanish rice] witha plate of [spanish rice]make [spanish rice]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spanish rice” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She brought a spanish rice salad to the picnic.
- We followed a classic spanish rice method.
American English
- He loves the spanish rice burrito filling.
- Try this easy spanish rice casserole recipe.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in restaurant supply, food industry, or tourism contexts.
Academic
Occurs in culinary arts, cultural studies, or food history texts.
Everyday
Common in cooking, recipe discussions, and casual dining contexts.
Technical
Used in professional kitchens and recipe standardization.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spanish rice”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spanish rice”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spanish rice”
- Capitalizing 'spanish' incorrectly (must be 'Spanish rice').
- Confusing it with 'paella' (which is more complex and includes seafood/meat).
- Assuming it is always spicy (it can be mild).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Spanish rice is a dish where rice is cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, giving it a reddish color and savory flavor.
In the United States, the terms are often used interchangeably. However, traditional Spanish rice from Spain might differ, resembling paella more closely.
Typically, rice is sautéed with onions and garlic, then simmered in a tomato-based broth with spices like cumin and chili powder until tender.
It can be mildly spicy depending on the recipe, but the heat level is adjustable. It's often seasoned with mild chili powder or paprika.
A dish of rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, often colored with saffron or turmeric.
Spanish rice is usually informal to neutral (culinary) in register.
Spanish rice: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspænɪʃ raɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspænɪʃ raɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a Spanish flag (red and yellow) coloring a bowl of rice, representing the tomatoes and saffron.
Conceptual Metaphor
Spanish rice is a colorful journey to another culture on a plate.
Practice
Quiz
What is a common characteristic of 'spanish rice' in American cuisine?