Tomato Rice In Rice Cooker

This delicious rice cooker Tomato Rice is made with vegetable oil, onion, garlic, tomato paste, tomatoes, long-grain white rice, and spices. It takes around 1 hour to prepare and serves 4. Pair your Tomato Rice with Poppadom, Spicy Potatoes, Pakora, Basil Pesto Shrimp, and Roasted Mushrooms in Garlic Butter.

To cook this Tomato Rice in your rice cooker, start by sautéing onions and garlic. Add tomato paste and chopped tomatoes, followed by rinsed rice and spices. Cook on the standard rice setting, let it rest, then fluff with butter.

In addition to tomato rice, did you know that your rice cooker—whether it’s a Zojirushi, Hamilton, or Tiger rice cooker—may be used to prepare a number of other dishes including red lentils, cabbage casserole, and dirty rice?

Rice Cooker Tomato Rice Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper
• 3 Tbsp. double-concentrated tomato paste
• 2 medium tomatoes, halved crosswise, seeds removed, coarsely chopped
• 2 cups long-grain white rice (like basmati or jasmine), rinsed until water runs clear
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp. ground turmeric
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ⅓ cup coarsely chopped cilantro, dill, or mint
• Plain whole-milk yogurt (for serving)

How To Make Tomato Rice In Rice Cooker

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: If your rice cooker has a sauté function, use it to heat the vegetable oil. Add the onion and cook until golden brown. Add garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook until soft. If your rice cooker doesn’t have this function, do this step in a pan on the stove.
2. Add Tomato Paste and Tomatoes: In the rice cooker or pan, stir in the tomato paste until it darkens. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
3. Combine with Rice and Spices: Transfer the onion, garlic, tomato paste, and tomatoes to the rice cooker if you use a pan. Add the rinsed rice, cinnamon, and turmeric. Stir everything together.
4. Cook the Rice: Pour 2¼ cups of water into the rice cooker. Stir, close the lid, and set to cook on the standard white rice setting.
5. Rest and Add Butter: Once the rice is cooked, let it rest for about 10 minutes. Then, add the butter and fluff the rice with a fork.
6. Serve: Top the rice with chopped herbs and serve with dollops of yogurt.

Recipe Tips

1. Tomato Quality: Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also use canned diced tomatoes as a convenient alternative.
2. Rinsing Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps in getting a fluffy texture.
3. Herbs for Garnishing: Fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or mint add a burst of freshness. Add them just before serving.
4. Cooking Liquids: Using vegetable or chicken broth instead of water can enhance the flavor of your Tomato Rice.
5. Resting Time: Allow the cooked rice to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps in absorbing any excess moisture and makes the rice fluffier.

Recipe Variation

1. Mediterranean Tomato Rice: Stir in some olives, feta cheese, and a splash of lemon juice after cooking for a Mediterranean twist.
2. Mexican Style Tomato Rice: Add cumin, chili powder, and a can of drained black beans for a Mexican-inspired variant.
3. Indian Style Tomato Rice: Include curry leaves, mustard seeds, and a pinch of garam masala for an Indian flavor profile.
4. Italian Style Tomato Rice: Mix in some Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce for an Italian touch.
5. Vegan Tomato Rice: Skip the butter and use olive oil, and serve with avocado slices instead of yogurt for a vegan-friendly meal.

Can I Use Different Types of Rice for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of rice for this Tomato Rice recipe. While long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine is suggested for their fluffy and light texture, you can also use other varieties like Arborio for a creamier texture or brown rice for a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary with different types of rice.

How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?

To make this dish spicier, you can add chopped fresh chili peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and garlic. Another option is to include a spoonful of spicy chili sauce or hot sauce into the rice before cooking. Adjust the quantity according to your heat preference.

Can I Add Protein to This Dish?

Absolutely! You can add protein to this Tomato Rice dish to make it more hearty and fulfilling. Consider adding cooked and shredded chicken, diced cooked sausage, or canned and drained beans like chickpeas or black beans. Add these proteins along with the rice and spices to cook everything together.

What To Serve With Tomato Rice

Pair and enjoy your Tomato Rice with sides like Poppadom, Spicy Potatoes, Pakora, Basil Pesto Shrimp, and Roasted Mushrooms in Garlic Butter. These sides add a delightful contrast and enhance the flavors of the aromatic and rich Tomato Rice.

How To Store Tomato Rice

In The Fridge:

To keep your Tomato Rice fresh and tasty, you should store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator once it has cooled down. This will help maintain its quality and flavor for approximately 3 to 4 days.

In The Freezer:

To keep your Tomato Rice fresh for a long time, freeze it in a tightly sealed container. This way, you can enjoy it for up to 2 months without any worries. Plus, if you divide it into smaller portions before freezing, it will be super easy to reheat whenever you want to eat it. This way, you’ll always have a convenient and delicious meal ready to go, with the same great texture and taste as when you first made it.

How To Reheat Tomato Rice

Reheat the tomato rice by gently misting it with water to keep it wet, covering it, and cooking it in the microwave for two to three minutes. Stir the rice halfway through to make sure it heats evenly and does not dry out.

Check out More Rice Cooker Recipes:

• Mango Sticky Rice In Rice Cooker
• Pinto Beans In Rice Cooker
• Chicken Breast In Rice Cooker