Tomato Rice Pilaf

Infused with the bold flavors of Indian spices and the natural tang of ripe tomatoes, this Tomato Rice Pilaf is a vibrant, one-pot dish perfect for weeknight dinners or as a standout side. Made with fluffy basmati rice, aromatic cumin seeds, garam masala, and a hint of turmeric, this recipe combines ease with elegance. The diced onions and garlic are sautéed until golden, creating a flavorful base, while finely chopped tomatoes cook down into a rich, spiced paste. Finished with fresh cilantro and a fragrant bay leaf, the pilaf is light, flavorful, and irresistibly aromatic. Ready in just 35 minutes, this gluten-free meal is a must-try for fans of quick, hearty, and wholesome recipes. Perfectly paired with yogurt, raita, or a side of grilled vegetables, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 1.5 cups Water
• 2 medium Tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 medium Onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala or curry powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 piece Bay leaf

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water 2-3 times until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a medium-sized pot over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the cumin seeds and bay leaf, letting them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and lightly golden.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 6

Mix in the chopped tomatoes, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, salt, and sugar. Cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and the mixture becomes a thick paste.

Step 7

Add the rinsed rice to the pot and gently stir to coat the rice in the tomato mixture.

Step 8

Pour in 1.5 cups of water and bring to a boil.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 10

Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 11

Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	966.7 grams (966.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	615

Total Fat 29.70g	38%
Saturated Fat 4.20g	21%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2398mg	104%
Total Carbohydrate 79.00g	29%
Dietary Fiber 7.50g	27%
Total Sugars 13.70g
Protein 12.10g	24%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 149mg	11%
Iron 8mg	43%
Potassium 965mg	21%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.3%

Protein: 7.7%

Carbs: 50.0%