Tomato and Rice: A Simple, Flavorful, and Budget-Friendly Recipe
This recipe for tomato and rice is a fantastic weeknight meal, perfect for those busy evenings when you need something quick, easy, and delicious. It's budget-friendly, using readily available ingredients, and incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your taste by adding different vegetables, spices, or proteins. Let's dive into this simple yet satisfying dish!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Get Started:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add Flavor:
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste.
Build the Base:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth (or water), oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook the Rice:
- Add the rice to the pot, stirring to combine everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Include other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrients and flavor. Sauté them with the onions for best results.
- Boost the protein: Stir in some cooked ground beef, chicken, or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream before serving.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or marjoram.
- Adjust the liquid: If your rice seems too dry before the cooking time is up, add a little more broth.
Why This Recipe is Great:
- Quick and easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
- Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive and readily available ingredients.
- Healthy: Packed with vitamins and nutrients from the tomatoes and vegetables.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs.
- Delicious: A comforting and flavorful dish the whole family will enjoy.
This tomato and rice recipe is a perfect example of simple cooking done right. It's a go-to meal for busy weeknights and a fantastic base for experimentation. Enjoy!
