How to make Arroz de Tomate

Why cooks start here

Arroz de Tomate is cooked the way the Ribatejo cooks it — good olive oil used without counting, salt judged by hand, and no fuss about the plate. This is the home version, written down the way a Portuguese family cook actually puts it on the table.

Arroz de Tomate, a staple from the Ribatejo region, is a dish where the simplicity of ingredients speaks volumes. Traditionally prepared in home kitchens, it embraces the philosophy of using what’s at hand, with a generous pour of olive oil and a salt pinch measured by instinct. This version captures the essence of everyday Portuguese cooking, where the emphasis is on flavor rather than presentation, making it a comforting presence at any meal. Arroz de Tomate offers tender carolino rice in a rich tomato base with aromatic garlic and onion, enhanced by fresh oregano for a rustic yet refined flavor, capturing Ribatejo's culinary essence in its lush, slightly creamy texture.