Are you tired of bland, boring rice dishes that leave your taste buds begging for excitement? Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with this mouthwatering Spicy Tomato Brown Rice that promises to revolutionize your meal routine! Bursting with vibrant Indian-inspired flavors, this recipe transforms humble brown rice into a show-stopping dish that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. In just 45 minutes, you'll create a nutritious, spicy, and utterly irresistible meal that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the brown rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Finely chop the onions and dice the tomatoes into small, uniform pieces.
- In a medium-sized pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to break down and release their juices.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and salt over the tomato and onion mixture. Stir well to combine and allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
- Add the rinsed brown rice to the pot and stir to coat the rice with the tomato and spice mixture.
- Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the rice for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the water is completely absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, mixing the tomatoes and spices throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot as a main dish or side, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Key: Always thoroughly rinse your brown rice to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain cooks perfectly and doesn't become sticky.
- Spice Management: When adding chili powder, start with less and taste as you go. You can always add more heat, but you can't take it away!
- Low and Slow Cooking: Keep the heat low after initial boiling to prevent burning and ensure even, gentle cooking of the rice.
- Resting Time Matters: Don't skip the 5-10 minute resting period after cooking. This allows the rice to steam and become wonderfully fluffy.
- Fresh Herb Finale: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving can elevate the dish's flavor and visual appeal.Pro Tip: This versatile dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or can be enjoyed as a standalone vegetarian meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg