Tuga Pops − Friday, November 13, 2015, 11 Years ago in Side Recipes
4 out of 5 with 40 ratings

Traditional and tasty Tomato Rice Recipe

Dive into a warm bowl of tomato rice, packed with flavorful rice, juicy tomatoes, and spices. It's delightful on its own or as a tasty side!
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40 min 6 servings Easy Prep time 10 min Cooking Time 30 min

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Get ready to enjoy some delicious traditional tomato rice, or arroz de tomate! This tasty dish mixes garlic, onions, and spices with juicy tomatoes, making it a great side or a filling main course. Easy to whip up in just 30 minutes, it's the kind of comfort food that brings warmth and smiles to the table. Perfect for any meal, you’ll love the burst of flavor in every bite!


Tips for Success

When sautéing the onions and garlic, make sure to cook them at medium heat until they're translucent but not browned. Browning can lead to a bitter flavor in the final dish.

For added flavor, consider incorporating spices such as cumin or turmeric. Adding 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds when frying the onions can enhance the overall taste of the rice.

Avoid overcooking the rice by keeping the lid on during cooking and not lifting it too often. Once the water is added, allow it to simmer on low heat for exactly 18-20 minutes without stirring, as this can cause the rice to become mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of long grain white rice in this tomato rice recipe?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that you'll need to adjust the cooking time and water ratio. Brown rice typically requires about 1.5 to 2 times the amount of water and takes 40-50 minutes to cook, so you'll need to ensure the rice is tender and fully cooked before serving.

What are some suitable substitutions for canola oil in this traditional and tasty tomato rice recipe?

You can substitute canola oil with vegetable oil, olive oil, or any neutral oil of your choice. If you're looking for a flavor twist, use coconut oil or avocado oil, which will impart slight variations in taste.

How should I store leftover tomato rice and how long will it last?

Allow the tomato rice to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through, or reheat on the stove with a little water to prevent it from drying out.

Recommended Drink Pairings

  • Chenin Blanc: This white wine's acidity complements the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the dish's flavors.
  • Light Lager: A crisp and refreshing beer that balances the richness of the oil and garlic in the rice.
  • Sparkling Water: The bubbles cleanse the palate, making each bite of the tomato rice feel fresh.
  • Mint Tea: The herbal notes of mint provide a refreshing contrast to the savory elements of the dish.
  • Ginger Ale: Its sweetness and spice pair well with the savory and slightly tangy flavors of the rice.

Ingredients

1/4 cup (60ml) canola oil1 yellow onion, finely chopped3 garlic cloves, minced3 cups (600g) long grain white rice, washed and drained4 cups (960ml) boiling water1 bay leaf2 medium tomatoes, chopped1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt

Equipment:

4-quart potMeasuring cupsKnifeCutting boardWooden spoonForkLid

Directions

  1. In a 4-quart pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the onions and garlic and stir-fry until golden.
  3. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly toasted and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Add the water, bay leaf, tomatoes and salt and bring to a boil.
  5. Cover and reduce the heat so that the rice just simmers.
  6. Cook undisturbed until tender, about 20 minutes.
  7. Remove from the heat and let stand covered without stirring for 10 minutes.
  8. Fluff with a fork, discard the bay leaf, and serve.

Adapted from a Recipe by: Emeril Lagasse, foodnetwork.com

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
525 kcal
Fat
14 g
Carbs
90 g
Protein
8 g

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Reviews (8)

Shirley
Shirley
Love rice, I follow my mother's recipe, the same as above with these additions: chopped red bell pepper, 1 bay leaf, 1 clove. This makes 3 meals for me. I've also used leftovers to stuff bell peppers.
4 Years ago, Sunday, September 11, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Thank you for the tips Shirley.
4 Years ago, Sunday, September 11, 2022

Eileen
Eileen
Hi PR my sister in law used make a rice with kale and kidney beans that I loved but I've never quite figured how to make??? Do you think anyone would have a recipe like that?? Thanks and thanks for everything you do!
4 Years ago, Friday, February 18, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops

Hi Eileen, I do have a similar one, just add kale to taste: https://www.portugueserecipes.ca/recipe/1019/26/Portuguese-Bean-Rice-Recipe

4 Years ago, Friday, February 18, 2022

Maria
Maria
Love this rice!
4 Years ago, Friday, February 18, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Great to know Maria.
4 Years ago, Friday, February 18, 2022

Rich
Rich
What Portuguese person uses canola oil???
Olive oil ✅
5 Years ago, Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
It's not my recipe but I respect the author choice. My wife is a great Portuguese food cook and she doesn't always use olive oil on rice.
5 Years ago, Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
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