Description

This flavorful Tomato Rice recipe features brown long-grain rice cooked with aromatic spices, fresh tomatoes, and tomato paste, creating a vibrant and savory dish perfect as a standalone meal or a side. With a fragrant blend of cumin and cinnamon, and garnished with fresh cilantro, this wholesome rice dish offers a comforting and nutritious flavor that highlights simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Rice and Broth

2 cups long-grain brown rice
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 yellow onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped
¼ cup cilantro leaves, for garnish

Spices and Oils

2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly with cold water while agitating with your hands to release excess starch until the water runs clear. This helps the rice cook fluffy and less sticky. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed rice, tomato paste, cumin, cinnamon, chopped tomatoes, and salt. Cook and stir the mixture for about 2 minutes to let the flavors meld and the tomato paste to coat the rice evenly.
Cook the Rice: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Steam and Garnish: Remove the pot from heat but keep it covered for 5 more minutes to allow the rice to steam and settle. Then uncover, fluff the rice gently with a fork, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top, and serve warm.

Notes

Rinsing the rice thoroughly helps reduce starch for fluffier texture.
Using low-sodium vegetable broth controls salt content and enhances flavor.
If you prefer a softer rice, you can add an extra ¼ cup of broth during cooking.
This recipe can be served as a main dish or a side to grilled meats or vegetables.
For extra spice, add a diced chili or a pinch of cayenne powder when sautéing the onions.