Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary rice into a burst of Mediterranean sunshine – our Oven Roasted Tomato Rice is about to become your new culinary obsession! This vibrant Italian-inspired recipe turns simple ingredients into a flavor-packed masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. With caramelized cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and perfectly cooked rice, this dish is not just a side, but a star that will make your dinner guests wonder about your secret cooking skills.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, toss halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up.
- Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they become slightly caramelized and concentrated in flavor. Remove and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add rice to the skillet and stir to coat the grains with oil, toasting them lightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Gently fold in the roasted cherry tomatoes, keeping some aside for garnish.
- Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes to absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and the reserved roasted tomatoes.
Tips
- Use high-quality cherry tomatoes for the best roasting results - look for ripe, firm tomatoes with deep color.
- Don't rush the tomato roasting process; those golden, slightly charred edges develop incredible depth of flavor.
- Toast the rice before adding liquid to enhance its nutty undertones and prevent mushiness.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or pot to ensure even heat distribution when cooking the rice.
- Let the rice rest after cooking to allow it to absorb any remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
- Fresh basil is crucial - chop it just before serving to preserve its bright, aromatic qualities.
- For extra richness, you can substitute part of the vegetable broth with white wine or add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
