If you are craving a vibrant and comforting side dish that’s bursting with fresh, herbaceous flavor, this Tomato Basil Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines the comforting warmth of tender long grain rice with rich tomato paste, fragrant garlic and onion, and a generous kiss of basil, resulting in a colorful and incredibly tasty dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats or enjoying it on its own, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something truly special in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of foundational ingredients is all it takes to create this stunning Tomato Basil Rice Recipe. Each item plays a vital role, providing layers of flavor, delightful texture, and a beautiful balance of color that makes every bite exciting.
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil (or butter): Adds a silky richness and helps sauté aromatics beautifully.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped: Brings a warm, pungent aroma that’s essential for depth of flavor.
- 1/2 brown onion, finely chopped: Offers natural sweetness and texture to the base of the dish.
- 1 1/4 tsp dried basil: Provides an upfront herbal note that works in harmony with fresh basil later.
- 1 cup (180g) long grain white rice: Perfectly fluffy when cooked, giving the dish its comforting bulk (see Note 1).
- 1 3/4 cups (435 ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Imparts savory depth and keeps the rice moist and flavorful.
- 2 1/2 tbsp tomato paste: The star ingredient that gives the rice a rich, tangy tomato body and beautiful red hue.
- 3/4 tsp paprika (sweet or normal, not smoked): Adds a subtle warmth and mild peppery undertone to the dish.
- 1 tsp sugar (any kind): Balances the acidity of the tomato paste smoothly.
- 1 sprig of basil with leaves: Infuses the cooking rice with fresh herbal aroma.
- 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh basil: Stirred in at the end for a vibrant and fresh finish.
How to Make Tomato Basil Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor
Start by heating your olive oil or butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped garlic and onion, and cook them gently until they become translucent and tender — about 2 to 3 minutes. This step infuses the oil with sweet and savory notes that will elevate the entire dish. Then sprinkle in the dried basil and cook just for 20 seconds; this little touch releases the herb’s essential oils, but be sure not to let it brown or burn.
Step 2: Combine Rice and Flavorful Liquids
Add your uncooked long grain rice to the pot along with the chicken broth, tomato paste, paprika, and sugar. Stir everything together until the tomato paste is fully dissolved and the rice grains are evenly coated. This is where the rice starts soaking in those rich, tangy, and herb-filled flavors that make this recipe unforgettable.
Step 3: Add Fresh Basil for Aromatic Magic
Take your whole basil sprig and gently crush it in your hand to release the leaves’ fragrance. Drop it onto the rice surface, pressing it lightly down but do not stir it in. This basil sprig will infuse the dish with a delicate, fresh herbal aroma as the rice cooks.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Cover your saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. As soon as it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to medium low or low if your stove tends to run hot. Let it cook undisturbed for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb all the savory liquid. You can tilt the pan slightly toward the end to check if all the broth has been absorbed.
Step 5: Let the Rice Rest
Once the liquid is gone, remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Let the rice sit quietly for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the steam finish cooking the grains evenly and develop those fluffy, separate rice textures.
Step 6: Final Touches and Fluffing
Remove the basil sprig carefully, then fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Give it a quick taste and adjust salt if needed. Finally, stir through the fresh chopped basil for that herbal brightness and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Tomato Basil Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To ramp up the already amazing flavor of this Tomato Basil Rice Recipe, garnishes like a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a few torn basil leaves, or even a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil work beautifully. They add a finishing touch that enhances both aroma and presentation.
Side Dishes
This rice pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables. Its tomato and basil profile complements Mediterranean or Italian-inspired mains perfectly, but it’s versatile enough to stand alongside a variety of dishes needing a flavorful carb boost.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this rice molded into neat little mounds using a small bowl or ring mold for an elegant presentation. You can also use it as a stuffing for bell peppers or tomatoes for a stunning and tasty vegetarian main course. The vivid red color and fresh basil green pops will wow your guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tomato Basil Rice Recipe keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day quick meal option.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the rice, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the rice in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture. Stir frequently to heat it evenly and watch it turn fluffy again just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the Tomato Basil Rice Recipe?
Brown rice can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. You may need to adjust the broth amount and cooking time accordingly to achieve tender rice without burning.
Is it okay to substitute fresh herbs for dried basil in the recipe?
Yes! If you only have fresh basil, use a bit more for the initial cooking step since dried herbs are more concentrated. Just make sure to add fresh basil at the end for optimal flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and olive oil instead of butter. The tomato and basil flavors remain deliciously vibrant.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
Try stirring in some cooked beans, diced roasted vegetables, or cooked chicken for a heartier meal. This rice also pairs nicely with protein-rich sides.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pot?
Using enough oil or butter at the start helps, as does stirring the rice into the tomato paste and broth thoroughly before simmering. Also, cooking on low heat and resting the rice covered minimizes sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Basil Rice Recipe is a perfect little culinary treasure that brightens up any meal with its fresh flavors and comforting texture. Its simplicity makes it accessible for any weeknight, yet its vibrant taste ensures it will become a trusted favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and enjoy the beautiful harmony of tomato and basil dancing on your palate!
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Tomato Basil Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tomato Basil Rice is a flavorful, aromatic side dish combining long grain white rice with a rich tomato paste base, enhanced by fresh and dried basil, garlic, and onion. Cooked gently in chicken or vegetable broth, this vibrant rice dish is perfect to complement a variety of meals, boasting a delicate balance of sweetness from paprika and sugar and freshness from basil.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/2 brown onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/4 tsp dried basil
- 1 cup (180g) long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 3/4 cups (435 ml) chicken broth (full salt) or vegetable broth
- 2 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3/4 tsp paprika (sweet or normal, not smoked)
- 1 tsp sugar (any kind)
- 1 sprig of basil with leaves
- 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and brown onion, cooking until they become translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Then add the dried basil and cook for an additional 20 seconds, being careful not to let the herbs burn.
- Combine main ingredients: Add the uncooked long grain white rice, chicken or vegetable broth, tomato paste, paprika, and sugar into the saucepan. Stir well until the tomato paste is completely dissolved and the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Add basil sprig: Slightly crush the basil sprig in your hand to release its aroma. Drop it onto the surface of the rice mixture without stirring it in, leaving it on top for infusion during cooking.
- Simmer rice: Cover the saucepan and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, immediately reduce the heat to medium-low or low if your stove is powerful. Cook for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is fully absorbed by the rice. You can check by tilting the saucepan gently.
- Rest the rice: Remove the saucepan from heat, keep it covered, and let the rice rest for 10 minutes. This helps the rice finish cooking gently and absorb remaining moisture.
- Finish and serve: Remove the basil sprig from the rice. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, check seasoning and adjust salt if needed. Allow the rice to stand uncovered for another 5 minutes to cool slightly. Stir in the finely chopped fresh basil just before serving, and enjoy your vibrant tomato basil rice immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute olive oil with butter for a richer flavor.
- Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth makes this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
- Do not stir the basil sprig into the rice while cooking to avoid bitterness.
- Letting the rice rest after cooking ensures fluffier texture.
- This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.
