Introduction

Tomato Basil Rice is a delightful and aromatic dish that brings together the fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this recipe is simple to follow and can easily be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats, alongside a salad, or as a base for your favorite proteins, this tomato basil rice will surely elevate any meal.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Long-grain rice – 1 cup
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Onion, finely chopped – 1 medium
Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
Tomatoes, diced – 2 cups
Vegetable broth – 2 cups
Fresh basil leaves, chopped – 1/4 cup
Salt – to taste
Pepper – to taste

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Liquid

In a saucepan, combine 500ml (2 cups) of chicken or vegetable stock, 1 can (400g) of diced tomatoes (including juice), and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3: Add Rice

Stir in 1 cup of uncooked rice into the skillet, allowing it to toast slightly for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour the prepared tomato and stock mixture into the skillet with the rice and stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Cover and Cook

Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 6: Add Fresh Basil

Remove the skillet from heat, uncover, and stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil. Fluff the rice with a fork to mix in the basil.

Step 7: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the tomato basil rice warm as a side dish or as a base for a main dish.

Notes

Note 1: Rice Type

Long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, works well for this recipe, but you can also use short-grain rice if preferred.

Note 2: Tomato Options

If using fresh tomatoes, you can substitute the canned tomatoes with about 4-5 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, chopped and peeled.

Note 3: Add-Ins

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or protein like chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.

Note 4: Storage

Leftover tomato basil rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Cook techniques

Sautéing

Sautéing is an essential technique for cooking the onions and garlic in this recipe. This method allows the ingredients to soften and develop flavor before the rice is added.

Simmering

Simmering is used to cook the rice. This gentle cooking technique helps to ensure the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors from the broth and tomatoes.

Fluffing

Fluffing the rice with a fork after cooking is crucial. It separates the grains and prevents the rice from becoming mushy, keeping the texture light and airy.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio since brown rice takes longer to cook.

Can I add other vegetables to the rice?

Absolutely! You can incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding herbs like oregano or thyme, or by using a better-quality broth.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegan-friendly.

Can I prepare this rice dish in advance?

Yes, you can make the rice ahead of time. Just reheat it on the stove with a little water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

The Tomato Basil Rice is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of tomatoes and basil with perfectly cooked rice. This recipe is versatile, making it an excellent side or a light main dish, and it can easily impress guests or provide comfort for a family meal. The vibrant colors and aromatic flavors create a satisfying experience, proving that simple ingredients can result in extraordinary meals.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Pair the Tomato Basil Rice with succulent garlic butter shrimp for a seafood delight that enhances the flavors of both dishes.

Herb-Roasted Chicken

Serve alongside herb-roasted chicken to complement the rice with juicy, seasoned meat that brings a hearty balance to the meal.

Caprese Salad

A fresh Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil will enhance the flavors and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm rice.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, make a colorful side that adds texture and nutrition to your meal.

Italian Sausage

For a heartier option, include Italian sausage. Its spiced flavor will bring an additional savory depth to the rice dish.

Pesto Grilled Chicken

Pesto grilled chicken paired with Tomato Basil Rice gives a wonderful herbal punch, making the meal even more delightful.

Chickpea Salad

A chickpea salad with a lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing and protein-rich accompaniment that balances the richness of the rice.