Description
Malaysian Tomato Rice is a flavorful and aromatic one-pot dish that combines fragrant spices, tangy tomatoes, and long-grain rice cooked in savory broth. Perfect as a comforting meal or a side dish, this recipe features sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger, enriched with turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon for a warm, vibrant taste. Garnished with fresh cilantro and crispy fried shallots, it offers a delightful texture and fresh finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
Garnishes (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fried shallots or crispy onions
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their fragrance.
- Cook tomatoes: 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 for a rich, savory base.
- Add spices: Stir in the ground turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and sugar (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices, enhancing their flavors.
- Incorporate rice: Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring to coat the grains thoroughly with the tomato and spice mixture, cooking for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice slightly.
- Add liquid and simmer: 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 has been absorbed.
- Rest and fluff: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and fried shallots or crispy onions if desired, adding brightness and crunch before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch, preventing clumps and ensuring fluffy texture.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust spices to taste for a milder or more robust flavor.
- The addition of sugar is optional and helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- For extra depth, add a small cinnamon stick alongside the bay leaf during cooking.
- Ensure the pot is well covered while simmering to trap steam for even cooking.
