Portuguese Tomato Rice Recipe
This traditional Portuguese rice recipe also known as Arroz de Tomate is delicious and hearty, It’s super easy to make and can be eaten as is or as a side with meat, chicken, or seafood. When it comes to comfort food this classic Arroz de Tomate hits the spot. This Portuguese rice recipe quickly comes together with just a few ingredients that will give you an authentic Portuguese dish that is flavourful and unique.
Traditional Portuguese tomato rice is a staple throughout Portugal and the Azores Islands where my husband is from. The first time I was introduced to this dish was while on our family vacation in Portugal visiting my husband’s parents who live in Alcobaca Portugal. As an Ecuadorian, rice is a very big part of our cuisine but we typically make it as plain rice, I had never experienced rice made with tomatoes among other ingredients such as onion, olive oil, paprika, and garlic. I was hooked and fell in love with how all those ingredients created a rice dish that was soft and fragrant and paired well with a variety of different dishes.
I love this recipe because it can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you are vegetarian, vegan, or a meat lover, this recipe is for you. If you’ve been on the hunt for a delicious vegetarian or vegan Portuguese tomato rice recipe then I promise you that this one will hit the spot.
So for anyone who loves rice, this Portuguese rice recipe is must try for you and your family. The best part of this Mediterranean dish is you’ll be able to retreat on a culinary adventure to Portugal right in the comfort of your own home and truly experience a scrumptious Portuguese traditional dish like no other.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions For Portuguese Tomato Rice
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the traditional way of making this Portuguese rice, but any type of oil such as vegetable, corn, or canola oil can also be used.
- Onion: diced onion adds a sweet, savory flavor to the dish. If you are not a fan of onion remove it from the recipe or try using leeks or a different vegetable to give it that extra sweet flare.
- Garlic: minced garlic adds a nice depth of flavor, you can use more or less depending on your taste.
- Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are the traditional way to make this dish, they give the rice a burst of sweetness and acidity, but if you don’t have fresh tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes work well.
- Broth: I used chicken broth to make this traditional Portuguese rice but any broth will do, vegetable or beef. if you don’t have broth just use water instead, it will have a slightly different flavor but it will still out fine.
- Rice: I used long-grain white rice which is the traditional this rice is prepared, If you don’t have it on hand you can use other types of rice such as jasmine, basmati, or brown rice
- Parika: A little goes a long way and will give this Portuguese tomato a mild smokey sweet flavor. You can opt to leave it out or use a substitute such as sweet chili powder.
- Salt and pepper: This is added for taste, you can adjust the amount according to your preference.
- Green Peppers: Although this is not traditionally used, I added it as a garnish because I love the taste of fresh green peppers. You can remove it from the recipe if you prefer.
Why You Will Love This Portuguese Tomato Rice Recipe
It’s a classic Portuguese dish: This Portuguese tomato rice dish is a staple in Portuguese cuisine and has been enjoyed by generations. The Portuguese rice is hearty and full of flavor making it perfect for a family dinner or to serve during get together with friends at parties or potlucks.
The flavors are bang-on: The combination of olive oil, broth, onions, garlic, paprika, black pepper, fresh tomatoes, and parsley creates a rich and savory sauce that seeps into the rice making it soft and tender with a depth flavor.
It’s easy to make: This homemade Portuguese tomato rice recipe is simple to follow and doesn’t require any complicated know-how or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s simply the perfect dish for a busy weeknight or for when you want to impress your guests with a delicious unique home-cooked meal.
It’s versatile: I love this recipe because you can use any type of broth, meat, or vegetables, no matter which one your Portuguese rice will turn out fantastic. You can make it as simple as you want or you can add your own twist using different herbs and spices.
It’s perfect for leftovers: This tomato rice reheats well, so you can enjoy it as leftovers the next day.
Variations For Portuguese Tomato Rice
- Meat: I made this Portuguese tomato rice vegetarian but you can use the meat for added flavor and protein such as diced Portuguese chorizo or Azorean linguica (Portuguese sausage) to give the dish a smoky and spicy flavor.
- Vegetables: You can add diced bell peppers and peas for color and texture, it’s also super delicious.
- Spices: Add piri-piri to spice up this Portuguese rice or add cumin to give it a more complex flavor.
- Cheese: Fresh cheese like Portuguese goat cheese, Azeitão, or Serra da Estrela can be added to top the rice, it will give the tomato rice a creamy and tangy contrast.
- Herbs: For a fresh fragrant flavor try adding chopped cilantro or parsley as a garnish.
- Shellfish: Add shrimp, prawns, clams, or mussels for a seafood twist on the dish.
Good To Know: Tips And Tricks
- Use a medium pot with a tight-fitting lid to cook the dish.
- To achieve the perfect texture for your rice, make sure to bring the broth to a boil before adding the rice. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the broth is absorbed and the rice is cooked nicely.
- Use long-grain white rice, it works best for this type of rice dish, as it has it contains lower starch content and will not become mushy.
- Make sure to bring the broth to a boil before adding rice, salt, and pepper.
- Keep a close eye on the rice as it cooks to make sure that it doesn’t boil over or burn.
- Always make sure to fluff up the rice with a fork before serving, this will loosen the rice and release the steam.
- Keep stored in the refrigerator covered for up to 5 days.
Ingredients For Portuguese Tomato Rice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups diced tomatoes, fresh or canned
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup green peppers, finely chopped for garnish (optional)
How To Make Portuguese Tomato Rice?
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes, then stir in the paprika followed by the diced tomatoes, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Pour in the broth and bring it to a boil.
- Add the rice, salt, and black pepper, then once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and simmer for 25 minutes until the rice is soft, and tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the tomato rice from the heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with finely chopped green peppers or fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot and Enjoy your Portuguese tomato rice.
Check Out Some Of My Other Yummy Portuguese Recipes
- Portuguese Seafood Rice
- Bacalhau à Brás
- Portuguese Pea Stew Recipe
- Portuguese Chicken Soup Recipe
- Portuguese Feijoada
Portuguese Tomato Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups diced tomatoes fresh or canned
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup green peppers, finely chopped for garnish optional
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes, then stir in the paprika followed by the diced tomatoes, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Pour in the broth and bring it to a boil.
- Add the rice, salt, and black pepper, then once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and simmer for 25 minutes until the rice is soft, and tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the tomato rice from the heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with finely chopped green peppers or fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot and Enjoy your Portuguese tomato rice.