Arroz de Tomate

Ingredients

• 300 gcarolino rice
• 6very ripe tomatoes — grated
• 1onion — finely chopped
• 3 clovesgarlic — minced
• 5 tbspolive oil
• 700 mlwater
• 1 tbspfresh oregano — chopped
• to tastefine sea salt

Method

1. Start by finely chopping 1 onion and 3 cloves of garlic. Cut 6 very ripe tomatoes into small, uniform pieces, ensuring that they will cook evenly and hold their shape. This uniformity is key to achieving the desired texture and appearance of the dish.
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 5 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, stirring gently. Allow them to cook slowly, releasing their sweetness into the oil without rushing to color them. This step builds a flavorful base for the dish.
3. Once the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices and begin to break down. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and their edges start to caramelize slightly, which should give the mixture a rich, deep aroma.
4. Add 300 g of carolino rice to the pot, stirring to coat the grains in the tomato mixture. This ensures that the rice absorbs the flavors from the start. Pour in 700 ml of water and stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Season the mixture with fine sea salt to taste, keeping in mind that the flavors will concentrate as the rice cooks. Allow the rice to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. The rice should be creamy and slightly loose, not dry.
6. Once the rice reaches the desired consistency, stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano, which will add a bright, herbal note to the dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary. The dish should be well-seasoned, with the flavors of the tomatoes and oregano shining through.
7. Serve the Arroz de Tomate warm, allowing the flavors to meld together. It can also be enjoyed at room temperature, making it a versatile side dish that complements a variety of main courses.