Rice dish with tomatoes

Rice dish recipe with tomatoes and vegetables

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Discover a delicious and healthy rice dish recipe with tomatoes, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. This simple recipe combines the juicy taste of tomatoes with fresh vegetables, turning into a dish you'll love. Let's get started!

Ingredients:

- 1 small cup of rice (preferably long-grain rice)
- 2 medium onions
- 1 large carrot
- 2 red bell peppers
- 2 green bell peppers
- 1 kg ripe tomatoes (or 400 g canned tomatoes for a quick version)
- Mixed pepper (or black pepper, to taste)
- Spices (salt, sweet paprika, dried or fresh dill, to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil

Preparation:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing the vegetables well. Grate the carrot using a large grater, and chop the onion finely. Cut the red and green bell peppers into small cubes. These vegetables will add a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor to your dish.

2. The tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them for a few minutes in boiling water, then immediately place them in a bowl of cold water. This process will make peeling easier. Once peeled, blend them in a blender until you get a smooth puree. If you prefer a quicker version, you can use canned tomatoes, which are already prepared.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the carrot and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes. Then, add the bell peppers and sauté everything for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Cooking the rice: Add the rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat it with oil and vegetables. Let it sauté lightly for 2 minutes. This step will enhance the rice's aroma and make it tastier.

5. Adding the tomatoes: Pour the tomato puree over the rice and vegetables. Add 2 cups of water (or vegetable broth for an even richer flavor) and season with salt, mixed pepper, and sweet paprika. Mix well, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

6. Finalizing the dish: Once the rice has absorbed all the water and is well cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes before serving. This step helps enhance the flavors.

Serving: Serve the rice dish with tomatoes warm, sprinkled with freshly chopped dill or with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast. You can also add crumbled feta cheese on top for an extra flavor boost.

Variations: You can experiment with various vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, to diversify the recipe. Additionally, adding spices like cumin or turmeric can give an interesting twist to the dish.

This rice dish with tomatoes and vegetables is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it quick and perfect for busy days. Enjoy this healthy dish and bring a splash of color and flavor to every meal!