Description
Red rice is a vibrant, wholesome dish bursting with earthy flavors and a nutty aroma. This recipe pairs the naturally rich taste of red rice with simple seasonings to highlight its unique characteristics. Perfect as a side dish or a base for hearty bowls, it’s nutritious, filling, and easy to make!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup red rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice:
Rinse the red rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and ensures a fluffy texture. - Cook the Base:
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. - Add the Tomato and Spices:
Add the diced tomato, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes soften and create a slightly thickened mixture, about 5 minutes. - Cook the Rice:
Add the rinsed red rice to the pan and stir to coat it in the tomato mixture. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. - Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid too often to ensure even cooking. - Fluff and Serve:
Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
- Red rice has a slightly chewier texture than white rice; adjust cooking time as needed based on your desired texture.
- For extra flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water.
- This dish pairs well with grilled vegetables, beans, or a side of fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Global
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Red rice, healthy side dish, vegetarian rice recipe