Tomato Rice with Basil Recipe
Servings: 4 | Cuisine: Indian | Course: Lunch | Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 50 mins
Tomato Rice with Basil is a flavorful, aromatic dish that brings together the freshness of tomatoes and the subtle fragrance of basil, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch or dinner. This dish combines the richness of olive oil with the sharpness of garlic and the heat of green chilies, all harmonizing beautifully with rice. The addition of basil leaves lends an herbaceous touch that elevates the simple ingredients to something extraordinary. Whether served with a refreshing raita or enjoyed on its own, Tomato Rice with Basil is a comforting meal that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice (white or brown) | 1 cup |
| Tomatoes | 3 |
| Green chili | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Thai basil leaves | A few |
| Garlic cloves | 7 (crushed) |
| Olive oil | As required |
| Whole black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As required |
| Fresh coriander (for garnish) | As needed |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
Begin by washing the tomatoes thoroughly. Place them in a saucepan and add water to cover them. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until the skin of the tomatoes begins to peel away. Once they are done, remove the skins and chop the tomatoes finely. Set them aside for later.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and finely chopped green chili. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant.
3. Prepare the Tomato Mixture:
Add the chopped tomatoes and Thai basil leaves to the pan. Continue to cook the mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the tomatoes to soften further.
4. Cook the Rice:
Once the tomato mixture has cooked down a bit, add the rice, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice is coated well with the tomato mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
5. Finish and Garnish:
Turn off the heat. Garnish the rice with freshly chopped green coriander and a few more basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
6. Serve:
Your Tomato Rice with Basil is now ready! Serve it hot with your favorite raita for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Perfect Tomato Rice with Basil:
- Rice Variations: Feel free to use brown rice or any other variety of your choice. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if using brown rice, as it may require a bit longer to cook.
- Basil Variations: While Thai basil works wonderfully in this dish, you can also use Italian basil if that’s what you have on hand.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red chili powder or garam masala for more depth of flavor.
Tomato Rice with Basil is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that makes for a wholesome meal. The tangy sweetness of tomatoes paired with the aromatic basil creates a wonderful balance, and when served with a cool and creamy raita, it becomes an irresistible treat for any meal of the day.
