An alternative to the usual rice dishes, tomato-based rice pilaf is a summer, Greek,classic dish. Follow Angela Nicolettou's recipe for success.
Domatorizo – Greek tomato rice
Ingredients
500g ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, sliced
2 tbs extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to drizzle
1 cup rice
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp cinnamon powder
½ tsp allspice powder
¼ tsp chilli powder or flakes (optional)
½ cup parsley, chopped
¼ cup mint, chopped
¼ cup basil, chopped
200g feta, to serve
Method
In a heavy-based saucepan warm the olive oil, add the diced onions and garlic and cook gently until they begin to soften. Add the rice and stir to combine. Add the tomatoes, sugar, cinnamon, allspice, chilli, 2 cups warm water, salt and pepper and stir. Simmer, covered until rice is cooked, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the herbs, stir and check seasoning.
Cover pot with a clean tea towel then place the lid on top and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with crumbled feta on top and a drizzle of olive oil.
You'll need fresh tomatoes for this recipe. You can use any type of tomatoes but the best flavour is achieved with vine-ripe, home grown tomatoes. You can omit the cheese at the end for a vegan meal.
