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
Scale
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.
