This recipe is about to change your dinner game! It’s a unique and flavorful way to cook rice using simple ingredients and just one pan.
Weeknight Woes and the Rice Rettung
Let’s be honest, weeknight dinners can feel like a battlefield. You’re tired, fridge is looking a little worse for wear, and the idea of chopping mountains of vegetables or spending hours hovering over a stove just sounds…exhausting. That’s where this recipe comes in – my knight in shining armor, or perhaps more accurately, my rice rettung (savior in German) – One-Pan Tomato Rice.
This recipe wasn’t born out of some grand culinary vision. It was born out of desperation, a rummage through the pantry after realizing I had next to nothing on hand. But what emerged from that chaos was pure magic – fluffy, flavorful rice that transformed a simple meal into something truly delicious.
The best part? It all happens in one pan. No scrubbing down a mountain of pots, no complicated steps – just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time. So ditch the dinnertime dread and give this recipe a try. You might just discover your new favorite weeknight staple.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy and Fast: It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight side dish.
- Flavorful: The combination of tomato paste, paprika, and chili pepper adds a delicious depth of flavor that you won’t find in plain rice.
- Versatile: This rice can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course on its own.
- Minimal Clean Up: Using just one pan keeps clean up a breeze!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rice (rinsed and drained)
- 1.8 cups Water
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Chili Pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Onion: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Spice it Up: Add the sweet paprika and chili pepper to the pan, stirring to coat the onions.
- Introduce the Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Time for the Rice: Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pan and stir to combine with the spices and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
- Let it Simmer: Pour in the water and add salt to taste. Stir everything together, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 16-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
- The Final Touch: Remove the pan from heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes with the lid on. This allows the rice to steam and become even fluffier.
- Fluff and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Enjoy this flavorful rice as a side dish with your favorite protein or as a main course on its own.
Tips
- Feel free to adjust the amount of chili pepper to your desired level of spiciness.
- For a richer flavor, substitute chicken broth for the water.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
