Greek Rice With Tomato Sauce
Greek rice with tomato sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish, often served as a side or main course. The rice is cooked in a rich tomato sauce, infused with Mediterranean herbs and olive oil, offering a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. Simple yet satisfying.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- knife
- Chopping board
- Measuring Cups
- Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati/jasmine rice
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth for extra flavor
- 2 tablespoons Greek olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 recipe Greek tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ celery stalk finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients:
- Begin by chopping the onion, garlic, celery, and measuring out the rice and spices.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the Greek olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
Add the Rice:
- Stir in the rice and let it cook for about 1 minute to lightly toast it in the oil and spices.
Cook with Tomato Sauce:
- Pour in the water (or vegetable broth) and the Greek tomato sauce. Add the dried basil, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the Rice:
- Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.
Adjust Seasoning:
- After cooking, taste the rice and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
Serve:
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Enjoy as a delicious and flavorful side dish to complement your meal!
Notes
■ Dietary Adaptations: This Greek Rice With Tomato Sauce is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by ensuring that your tomato sauce is plant-based. You can also swap the olive oil for any plant-based oil if you prefer.
■ Flavor Variations: If you want to elevate the flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a handful of olives just before serving. These ingredients will give the dish an added zing and Mediterranean flair.