Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tomato Rice is simple to make, packed with flavor, and uses everyday ingredients. The tomatoes create a rich and slightly tangy taste, while the spices add warmth and depth. It is a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
Optional garnish:
- Fresh parsley
- Green onions
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear, then drain well.
Heat the oil or butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin.
Add the rice and stir well to coat the grains with the tomato mixture.
Pour in the vegetable broth or water.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes.
Fluff gently with a fork before serving.
Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Resting time: 5 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
Add peas or carrots for extra vegetables.
Stir in cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Use brown rice for a whole grain version, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Mix in fresh herbs such as basil or cilantro for extra freshness.
Storage/Reheating
Store Tomato Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Freeze cooled rice for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain rice such as basmati or jasmine rice works best for fluffy texture.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes. Canned diced tomatoes work well if fresh tomatoes are unavailable.
Why is my rice mushy?
Too much liquid or overcooking can make the rice soft and mushy.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Use vegetable broth and oil instead of butter.
Can I add protein?
Yes. Chicken, shrimp, sausage, or tofu pair well with Tomato Rice.
How do I make the rice spicier?
Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or chopped fresh chilies.
Can I make Tomato Rice in a rice cooker?
Yes. Sauté the vegetables separately, then add everything to the rice cooker.
What dishes pair well with Tomato Rice?
It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, curries, or salads.
Can I prepare Tomato Rice ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats very well and is excellent for meal prep.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
Tomato Rice is a simple and flavorful dish filled with rich tomato flavor and aromatic spices. Easy to prepare and wonderfully versatile, this comforting one-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or serving alongside your favorite dishes.
PrintTomato Rice Recipe
Tomato Rice is a flavorful one-pot dish made with tender rice, juicy tomatoes, onions, and warm spices. This comforting and versatile recipe is perfect as a quick meal or savory side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
- Green onions (optional garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear, then drain well.
- Heat the oil or butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin.
- Add the rice and stir well to coat the grains with the tomato mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable broth or water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes.
- Fluff gently with a fork before serving.
- Garnish with parsley, green onions, or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Add peas or carrots for extra vegetables and texture.
- Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Use brown rice for a whole grain version and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro add extra freshness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
