Tomato And Basil Rice
Tomato and Basil Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish with a vibrant tomato base complemented by fresh basil and topped with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a side dish for gatherings, it combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying, aromatic meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the minced onion until translucent.
- Add the mashed whole tomatoes and water to the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chopped basil.
- Bring the mixture back to a boil, then add the rice and stir.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If fresh basil isn't available, dried basil works well too, but use less as it's more concentrated. You can also substitute the Parmesan cheese with feta for a different twist that complements Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tomato and Basil Rice as a delightful side dish or as a bed for grilled meats or seafood. It pairs beautifully with Greek Herbal Chicken or can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main by adding sautéed vegetables. A fresh side salad, such as a Romano Cheese Salad Dressing, complements this dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato And Basil Rice contains roughly 764 calories, with 9g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2150mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time. Adjust the water ratio to about 1 3/4 cups and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
To make the dish heartier, consider adding cooked beans, such as cannellini or chickpeas, or stir in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. These additions not only enhance the nutrition but also complement the flavors beautifully.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make Tomato and Basil Rice vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. This will keep the dish flavorful without any dairy. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).