Description
Ntomatorizo is a simple yet flavorful Greek tomato rice dish made with pantry staples like rice, tomatoes, onion, and garlic. It’s rich, comforting, and the perfect Mediterranean side or vegan main.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice (or medium/short grain for a softer texture)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup pureed or strained tomatoes (or 2 large ripe tomatoes, grated)
- 2–2.5 cups hot vegetable stock or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika or ground cumin (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or oregano, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil for finishing
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clearer. This helps reduce surface starch and keeps grains from sticking.
- In a pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened and lightly golden, about 5–7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add the pureed tomatoes, dried oregano, paprika or cumin (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the rinsed rice and stir well to coat in the tomato mixture. Pour in enough hot stock or water to cover the rice (about 2 to 2.5 cups depending on rice type).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid stirring too much during cooking.
- Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5–10 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and adjust seasoning. Stir in fresh herbs, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Use tomato paste and puree for deeper color and richer flavor; fresh tomatoes can be used but may need longer cooking.
- Rinsing rice before cooking helps avoid mushy texture.
- Customize with added vegetables or proteins like peas, beans, or chicken.
- A pinch of sugar balances tomato acidity.
- Letting the rice rest off-heat helps it finish cooking and absorb flavors evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
