Tomato rice

Tomato rice is quite popular in Portugal, as a side with some kind of fried fish, for example (poor creatures). Did you know that a single portion of this type of rice has already 3 to 4g of protein? Not to mention the added benefits of good carbs, vitamins and minerals. I have it on its own with some veggies and sometimes with some beans. However, what goes really nicely with it are my ‘pataniscas’ or ‘sea rissoles’! My mouth is watering already…

Time: 30 minutes

Type: side dish

Difficulty: 1 pan

Makes: 3 to 4 individual portions

What you need:

1 cup of brown rice (or white)

1 tin of chopped tomatoes (or 300g of fresh well ripened tomatoes)

1 small onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

1/2 cube good quality vegetable stock

salt and white pepper to taste

Utensils:

knife and chopping board

pan

mixing spoon and measuring cup

Directions:

Add chopped onions and garlic to a pan with a little water; cook for about 2 to 3 minutes till tender;

Add rice, stock cube and chopped tomatoes and let it cook for a few minutes, mixing well until the stock has melted;

Add 1.5 cups of water and let it cook for about 30 minutes (less for white rice) over low to medium heat;

Note: if rice is not cooked yet and is too dry, add more water.

When cooked, add pepper (and salt if needed) and remove from heat;

Serve while hot!