Greek Tomato Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Greek Tomato Rice recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines aromatic spices with a rich tomato base. It’s an easy one-pot meal that’s perfect as a side or a light main course.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• 1 small onion, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 5-6 pieces of allspice
• 5-6 pieces of cloves
• 2 small bay leaves
• 2 loaded tablespoons double-concentrated tomato paste
• 1 small ripe tomato, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1200 ml water or vegetable stock
• 300 grams (10.6 oz) long-grain parboiled rice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
2. Step 2: Heat a good splash of olive oil in a medium-sized cooking pot over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add the minced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the allspice, cloves, bay leaves, tomato paste, and grated tomato, cooking for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly.
5. Step 5: Pour in the water or vegetable stock, add the sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Let it cook for 5 more minutes, then turn off the heat.
6. Step 6: In a baking dish approximately 33×22 cm (13×9 inches), add the rice and pour the tomato sauce on top, mixing gently to combine.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check the rice towards the end and add a bit more water if needed. Bake until the rice is cooked and all the liquid is absorbed.

Tips & Variations

• For added depth, try substituting half of the vegetable stock with chicken stock if not vegetarian.
• Stirring the rice occasionally during baking ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or dill sprinkled on top before serving add freshness and color.
• If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices.

Storage

Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the rice if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular white rice instead of parboiled?

Yes, you can use regular white rice, but cooking times and liquid amounts may vary slightly. Keep an eye on the rice as it bakes to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

Can I prepare this dish on the stovetop instead of baking?

While baking helps develop flavor and texture, you can simmer the rice with the sauce on the stove over low heat, covered, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Greek Tomato Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 65 reviews

Greek Tomato Rice is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish infused with tomato, garlic, and warm spices such as allspice and cloves. Cooked by first simmering the tomato-spiced broth on the stovetop and then baking the rice in the oven until tender, this comforting side dish combines vibrant Mediterranean flavors with a rich, savory tomato base.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• Olive oil – splash
• 1 small onion, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 5–6 pieces of allspice
• 5–6 pieces of cloves
• 2 small bay leaves
• 2 loaded tablespoons double-concentrated tomato paste
• 1 small ripe tomato, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1200 ml water or vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Main

• 300 grams (10.6 oz) long-grain parboiled rice

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) to prepare for baking the rice later.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a medium-sized pot, heat a good splash of olive oil. Add the minced onion and garlic and cook over medium heat until they are softened and fragrant.
3. Add Spices and Tomato: Stir in the allspice pieces, cloves, bay leaves, the double-concentrated tomato paste, and grated tomato. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Add Liquid and Sugar: Pour in the water or vegetable stock, add sugar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
5. Prepare Rice for Baking: Turn off the heat. In a baking dish approximately 33×22 cm (13×9 inches), add the parboiled rice and pour the hot tomato sauce mixture evenly over it.
6. Bake the Rice: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Stir the rice occasionally during baking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The rice should absorb all the liquid and be fully cooked. Cooking time may vary slightly; taste the rice and add a little water if necessary, baking a few minutes longer if needed.

Notes

• The spices (allspice, cloves, bay leaves) can be adjusted to taste or omitted if preferred.
• Stirring the rice occasionally during baking prevents it from sticking to the dish.
• If you use regular long-grain rice instead of parboiled, the cooking time or liquid quantity might require adjustment.
• Vegetable stock is preferred for richer flavor but water can be used as a substitute.
• This dish pairs well with grilled meats or Greek salads for a complete meal.

Keywords: Greek tomato rice, baked rice recipe, Mediterranean side dish, tomato rice with spices, vegetarian Greek recipes