How to make Tomato Basil Rice? (Quick and Simple Recipe)

Simple white rice is quickly transformed into something amazing with Tomato Basil Rice and tomato rice.

All types of proteins go well with this quick and easy meal, which is bursting with flavor.

Tomato Rice: What is it?

One of those cooking stalwarts, tomato rice can be served as a vegetarian main dish or a meatless dinner on its own, but we prefer it as a side dish.

Simple white rice and onions are cooked in chicken broth naturally with fresh tomatoes! Before serving, fresh basil and a dusting of parmesan are added once the meat is cooked.

Ingredients/Variations

RICE This recipe calls for white rice, but brown, jasmine or basmati rice will also work. Depending on the type, you might need to change the cooking times a little.

BROTH Rice is prepared using chicken broth. If you have beef or vegetarian broth on hand, use that instead!

TOMATO To allow flavors to meld, fresh diced tomato is cooked with the rice. Any tomato variety will work well!

Optional: You can also add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the broth to give it more zing and zest.

Making Tomato Rice: A Recipe

This recipe comes together quickly and is quite simple.

1. Rice should be cooked till golden brown after adding onion to hot oil.
2. Seasonings, tomatoes, garlic, and broth are added. Cover and heat until boiling.
3. Remove from heat and allow it to stand for about five minutes. Increase the fresh tomatoes and add cheese and basil.

Fish tacos or steak fajitas should be garnished and served with them. Recall making the simple strawberry margaritas!

Various Cooking Techniques

One of the simplest foods to prepare on the stovetop, in the Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker is rice. Any of these methods can be used to produce this recipe. You can find instructions for specific appliances in your manual.

Tips for Tomato Rice

• The simplest method for making tomato rice appears to be using instant rice, however, because it is dehydrated, the kernels won’t be as firm. While using uncooked rice can need a little more time, it will be less expensive, stay firmer, and taste much better.
• Like with beans, rinse uncooked rice to eliminate any possible dirt or debris from the bag. While some cooks believe that washing rice eliminates the starch that prevents it from becoming overly starchy, the starch actually helps tomato basil rice and similar kinds of recipes stay creamy.
• For up to 4 days, leftovers can be kept in an airtight container. Place in the microwave and heat thoroughly to reheat!

Basil Tomato Rice

This flavorful side dish is quick and simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup onion diced
• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 ripe tomato diced with juices, plus extra for garnish
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated, divided
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped

Instructions

1. Cook onion in olive oil in a medium saucepan for about 4 minutes, or until it starts to soften. Rice should be added and cooked for two to three minutes, or until it begins to color slightly.
2. Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, and garlic (along with any liquids). To taste, add salt and pepper.
3. Heat should be increased to a boil, then covered and simmered. Cook without removing the lid for 20 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, let sit for five minutes, then remove the cover. Add basil and two tablespoons of parmesan cheese. Mix well.
5. Place in a bowl and top with the remaining parmesan cheese, fresh tomatoes, and more basil, if you want.

Notes

You’ll need around 1 cup (a bit more or less is fine) of diced tomatoes, any variety will do.

Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil to the broth if used.

This recipe will work with brown, jasmine, or basmati rice; however, the cooking times may need to be slightly changed.

Optional: You can also add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the broth to give it more zing and zest.

Nutrition information

Calories: 113 | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 492mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 82IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg