Tomato Basil Rice Skillet

$- 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Zest of 1 lemon In this Tomato Basil Rice Skillet, the ingredients come together to create a vibrant dish. The rice serves as the main base, soaking up all the flavors. I use long-grain rice for a fluffy texture. Vegetable broth brings depth and richness. Diced tomatoes add a sweet-tart burst. Olive oil gives a nice sheen and flavor. I love adding aromatics like onion and garlic. They form a strong foundation for the dish. The oregano adds an earthy note that pairs well with the tomatoes. You can adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Fresh basil is the star here. Its bright, herbal flavor lifts the entire dish. I also recommend adding lemon zest. It brings a refreshing zing. If you want a creamy touch, sprinkle in Parmesan cheese. With these ingredients, you’re set to make a delicious and easy meal. Each component plays a role, creating a satisfying dish. - Sauté onions and garlic Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and clear. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute. The smell will be amazing! - Toast the rice Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the skillet. Stir it well to coat with the oil and onion mix. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step adds a nice nutty flavor. - Add liquids and season Pour in the vegetable broth and add the can of diced tomatoes, including the juices. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to combine. - Cover and reduce heat Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid. This helps the rice cook evenly and absorb all the flavors. - Cooking time and tips Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Check the rice around the 15-minute mark. If it’s tender and the liquid is gone, it’s done! If not, cover and let it cook a bit longer. - Stir in basil and cheese Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and lemon zest. If you like cheese, add the grated Parmesan now. This adds richness and flavor. - Fluffing the rice Use a fork to gently fluff the rice. This helps mix all the ingredients and keeps the rice light and fluffy. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To get the best rice, start with the cooking time. Reduce it slightly if you want firmer rice. If you like softer rice, let it cook for a few extra minutes. Always check for doneness by tasting a grain. It should be tender but not mushy. You can add more herbs to boost flavor. Fresh thyme or parsley work great. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Also, don’t forget to adjust the salt and pepper. Taste as you go for the best results. Serve the rice right in the skillet for a cozy feel. Top it with extra fresh basil for color. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds richness. Add lemon wedges on the side for a bright touch. This makes the dish pop and look inviting. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your Tomato Basil Rice Skillet. Chicken or shrimp work well. - For Chicken: Cut chicken breast into small pieces. Sauté it first until golden, then add the onions and garlic. This gives a nice flavor. - For Shrimp: Toss in peeled shrimp after the rice is toasty. Cook until they are pink and cooked through. If you prefer plant-based options, try chickpeas or tofu. Both add protein and texture. Just sauté them with the onions for better flavor. This dish is flexible with vegetables. You can include bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Each adds color and taste. - Seasonal Veggies: Use what’s fresh. Asparagus in spring or squash in fall can be tasty. - Frozen Options: Frozen peas or corn are easy to add. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. Adding veggies boosts nutrition and makes the meal more colorful. You can make this dish fit your diet easily. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free rice. It cooks the same way. If you want it vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This keeps it plant-based while still tasting great. To store your Tomato Basil Rice Skillet, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure the lid is tight to avoid any spills or smells. When it’s time to eat leftovers, use a microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to warm it evenly. If you use a skillet, add a splash of broth or water. This helps keep the rice moist. Heat it on low to avoid burning. You can freeze portions of the rice skillet too! Divide it into small containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat using the same methods mentioned above. Enjoy the same great taste even later! You can use water instead. The dish will still taste good. Chicken broth works too if you eat meat. For more flavor, add herbs or a splash of soy sauce. This can give your rice a nice depth. Yes, you can! Cook the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. To add heat, try red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch, then taste. You can also add diced jalapeños while cooking. This will bring a fresh heat without hiding the other flavors. Enjoy your spicy twist! This blog covered everything you need for a delicious rice dish. We explored essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to perfect your meal. I shared ways to enhance flavor and ideas for variations to fit your needs. Don't forget to store leftovers properly and reheat them like a pro. With these insights, you can enjoy a tasty, customized dish anytime. Get creative, try new ingredients, and have fun in your kitchen!$

Savor the flavors of summer with this delicious Tomato Basil Rice Skillet recipe! Packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes, this dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a few simple steps, you can create a heartwarming meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Explore the full recipe and discover how to elevate your cooking with this delightful one-pan wonder. Click to see how to make this tasty dish today!

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Ingredients

1 cup long-grain rice

2 cups vegetable broth

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the oil and aromatics. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped basil, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese if using.

Gently fluff the rice with a fork to combine all the ingredients well.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the rice skillet in the pan for a rustic look, garnished with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, accompanied by lemon wedges on the side.