Greek Tomato Rice is a delightful and savoury dish that beautifully captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the robust taste of ripe tomatoes with the aromatic allure of fresh herbs, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Often enjoyed as a side dish or a light main course, Greek Tomato Rice showcases the vibrant flavours of Greece, where every bite transports you to the sun-kissed shores of the Aegean Sea.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, this dish is an excellent way to bring a taste of Greece into your kitchen.
How To Make Greek Tomato Rice?
Preparation Times: 15 minutes
Cooking Times: 30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek
Yields: Makes about 4 people
Equipment Needed
- Large saucepan
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Lid for the saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step-1: Prepare the Ingredients
First, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set the rice aside. Next, peel and dice the tomatoes, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
Step-2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step-3: Cook the Tomatoes
Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan, stirring well to combine. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices.
Step-4: Add the Rice
Stir in the rinsed rice, ensuring each grain is coated with the tomato mixture.
Step-5: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid.
Step-6: Cook the Rice
Allow the rice to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step-7: Finish and Serve
Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
Nutrition Facts Of Greek Tomato Rice
Nutrition | Amounts |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Protein | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 38g |
Fat | 5g |
Fiber | 3g |
Serving Suggestions
❖ This recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish.
❖ I also love serving it alongside a fresh Greek salad with feta cheese.
❖ For a vegetarian option, enjoy it with roasted vegetables or stuffed bell peppers.
Tips and Variations
❖ For a richer flavour, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
❖ If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
❖ Add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra vegetables.
❖ Top with crumbled feta cheese and olives before serving for an added Greek touch.
Special Note
Making it easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick yet wholesome meal.
FAQS
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but remember it will require a longer cooking time and possibly more broth.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze Greek Tomato Rice?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Conclusion
Greek Tomato Rice is a flavorful and versatile dish that effortlessly brings the vibrant tastes of Greece to your table.
With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Whether served as a side or a main dish, it promises to delight your taste buds with every bite.
Greek Tomato Rice
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Lid for the saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 4 ripe tomatoes peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- First, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set the rice aside. Next, peel and dice the tomatoes, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan, stirring well to combine. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices.
- Stir in the rinsed rice, ensuring each grain is coated with the tomato mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid.
- Allow the rice to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.