Rinse Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky during cooking.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a small skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan and sauté until they become fragrant, and the onion turns translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Add Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat it evenly with the oil, garlic, and onion mixture. Let the rice toast slightly in the pan for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add Liquid and Vegetables: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomato, and diced bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together well to combine.

Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through. Avoid stirring the rice too much to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Fluff and Serve: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. Then, use a fork to fluff the rice to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer the Arroz con Sarten to a serving plate or bowl. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve hot as a delicious and satisfying meal for one!