Greek Tomato Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) to prepare for baking the rice later.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/greek-tomato-rice-recipe/
