Description
Malaysian Tomato Rice is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that’s a perfect combination of spices, tomatoes, and herbs. This easy-to-make dish is often served as a side with curries or grilled meats, adding a vibrant color and a delicious depth of flavor to your meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fried shallots or crispy onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot, stirring well. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices.
- Stir in the turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and sugar (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
- Add the rice to the pot, stirring to coat the rice with the tomato mixture. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and add the bay leaf. Season with salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and fried shallots (if using) before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a cinnamon stick or cardamom pods during cooking. Just remove them before serving.
- Tomato rice pairs wonderfully with curry dishes, grilled meats, or as a side for fried fish.
- If you like a spicier version, add chopped green chilies or chili powder when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Malaysian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg