Rice dish with tomatoes

Rice with Tomatoes - a delicious and simple recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Looking for a quick and tasty recipe that brings summer to your plate? Rice with tomatoes is the perfect choice! With a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and a rich tomato sauce, this dish becomes a family favorite. Here are the steps to achieve a perfect result!

Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rice (preferably long-grain rice for a fluffy texture)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 2 red bell peppers, diced
- 2 green bell peppers, diced
- 1 kg fresh tomatoes (ideally summer, sweet, and aromatic)
- Mixed pepper, to taste
- Spices (salt, dried basil or oregano)
- Olive oil, for sautéing

Step 1: Preparing the tomatoes
To make a delicious tomato sauce, we start by blanching the tomatoes. Boil water in a large pot. When it boils, add the tomatoes for a few minutes until the skin begins to crack. Remove them and let them cool slightly before peeling. Once peeled, blend them in a blender to obtain a smooth puree. This will be the base of the tomato sauce.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables
In a heated pan, add a few tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the grated carrot and sauté for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This will add sweetness to the dish.

Step 3: Cooking the rice
Add the washed and drained rice to the pan with the vegetables. Mix well to combine the ingredients and let the rice sauté for 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for achieving perfectly cooked rice, as it helps absorb the flavors.

Step 4: Adding the tomato sauce
After the rice has been sautéed, pour the previously prepared tomato puree over the rice. Add salt, mixed pepper, and your favorite spices (basil or oregano). Mix well to combine the flavors. Let it simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Transfer the rice and vegetable mixture to a pot or baking dish. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes until the rice absorbs all the flavors and becomes fluffy.

Serving suggestions
Rice with tomatoes can be enjoyed both as a main dish and as a side dish. It is delicious warm, but also cold, making it an excellent option for picnics. Top with fresh basil leaves for an extra flavor boost and an attractive appearance.

Possible variations
For a heartier dish, you can add chicken cubes or mushrooms while sautéing the vegetables. You can also experiment with different types of rice, such as basmati or arborio, for a different texture.

This rice with tomatoes recipe is not only simple but also versatile, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the taste of summer in every bite!