This tomato garlic rice is a comforting, flavorful dish made from simple pantry staples. Fragrant garlic, tender onions, and juicy tomatoes come together with rice that absorbs every bit of the savory broth as it cooks. It’s an easy, affordable recipe that works beautifully as a side or a light main, perfect for everyday family meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is simple to prepare yet full of rich, satisfying flavor. It uses everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand and comes together in one pan, making cleanup easy. The rice cooks by absorbing the broth, resulting in fluffy grains infused with tomato and garlic in every bite. It pairs well with fish, chicken, eggs, or vegetables and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
400 grams canned crushed tomatoes or 500 grams fresh tomatoes, finely chopped
2 cups white rice, washed and rinsed
3 cups chicken broth or stock
1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped, for serving
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Directions
Heat a large lidded frying pan or saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil, diced onion, and a small pinch of sea salt. Cook, stirring regularly, until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
Increase the heat to high. Add the tomatoes and the rinsed rice to the pan, stirring well to coat the rice evenly. Cook for about 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the rice to cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or according to the rice package instructions, until the liquid has been fully absorbed.
Remove from the heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh coriander, black pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 adults as a side dish.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes.
Cooking time is about 15 minutes.
Total time is around 25 minutes.
Variations
You can add extra vegetables such as diced zucchini, capsicum, or peas for added color and nutrition. For a richer flavor, replace part of the chicken broth with homemade bone broth. A pinch of ground cumin or paprika can be added for a subtle warmth. For a heartier dish, stir in cooked shredded chicken or chickpeas just before serving.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover tomato garlic rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. It can also be reheated in the microwave, covered, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust the broth and cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply use a good-quality vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I use fresh tomatoes only?
Yes, fresh tomatoes work well. Make sure they are ripe and finely chopped for the best texture.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice works best, but medium-grain rice can also be used with similar results.
Can I freeze tomato garlic rice?
Freezing is possible, but the texture may soften slightly. Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is mild in flavor and family-friendly, making it suitable for children.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Use a heavy-bottomed pan, stir well before covering, and keep the heat low while the rice cooks.
Can I add herbs other than coriander?
Yes, parsley or dill can be used if you prefer a different herb flavor.
What can I serve with tomato garlic rice?
It pairs well with grilled fish, chicken, eggs, or a simple garden salad.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made ahead and gently reheated just before serving.
Conclusion
Tomato garlic rice is a versatile, comforting dish that proves simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. Whether served as a side or enjoyed on its own, it’s an easy recipe that fits effortlessly into busy family meals and makes delicious leftovers for the next day.
Tomato garlic rice is a one-pan dish packed with comforting flavor from garlic, onions, and tomatoes. Simmered in savory broth, it’s a simple and delicious side or light main that pairs well with meats, eggs, or vegetables.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
400 g canned crushed tomatoes or 500 g fresh tomatoes, finely chopped
2 cups white rice, washed and rinsed
3 cups chicken broth or stock
1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and a pinch of salt. Sauté until translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
Increase heat to high. Add tomatoes and rinsed rice. Stir to coat the rice evenly. Cook for 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 10–12 minutes or until broth is absorbed and rice is tender.
Remove from heat and fluff rice with a fork.
Garnish with fresh coriander, black pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve warm.
Notes
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Add diced vegetables like zucchini or peas for variety.
Spices like cumin or paprika can be added for extra depth.
Store in fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.
