Sunshine Tomato Rice Bowl

A vibrant, comforting mix of fluffy rice, tangy tomatoes, and a hint of smoky spice—ready in 30 minutes!

Ingredients (7 pantry staples)

1. 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice (or any long-grain rice)
2. 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
3. 1 small onion, finely chopped
4. 2 garlic cloves, minced
5. 2 tbsp olive oil
6. 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
7. 1 tsp chili powder (or smoked paprika for extra depth)

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Instructions

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

1. Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for 1–2 minutes. Set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large deep skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Toast the rice: Add the drained rice to the pan and stir for 2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly and absorb the flavors.
4. Add liquid & tomatoes: Pour in the broth and add the drained diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir to combine.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Season & serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle the chili powder over the top and give it a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (a pinch of salt works well). Serve warm, perhaps with a drizzle of extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon if you have it.

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Why It Works

• Flexibility: Use any rice you have (even leftover cooked rice—just skip the simmering step and stir it in with the tomatoes and broth).
• Pantry-friendly: All ingredients are staples, making this dish budget-friendly and easy to whip up.
• Customizable: Add a handful of frozen peas or a sprinkle of dried herbs if you want extra texture, but the core recipe stays at 7 ingredients.

Enjoy your hearty, sunshine-inspired bowl! ☀️🍅