Aromatic Tomato Basil Rice Cooker Pot: A Flavorful Olive Oil Recipe
The Perfect Harmony of Fresh Tomatoes and Fragrant Basil! Easy Tomato Basil Rice Cooker Pot Recipe (Using a Pressure Cooker)
Hello everyone! This is Superpower. Today, I’m sharing a special ‘Tomato Basil Rice Cooker Pot’ recipe that will tantalize your taste buds. We’ll start by sautéing fresh tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and sweet onions in olive oil to enhance the flavor, then mix it with perfectly cooked rice. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh basil and scallions crowns this delightful one-pot meal. The subtle aroma of olive oil, the tanginess of tomatoes, and the fragrant basil will transport you to an Italian trattoria. If you love basil and tomatoes, you absolutely must try this incredibly delicious pot rice. Let’s get started on making this wonderful Tomato Basil Rice Cooker Pot!
Ingredients- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 20g fresh basil leaves (or 1/2 Tbsp dried basil)
- Scallions, to taste (or the white parts of leeks)
- 2 onions
- 2 heads of garlic
- 8 Tbsp olive oil
- 1100g short-grain rice (or mixed grains)
- 1100ml water
- 5-8 green olives (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the rice. Rinse 1100g of rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures a cleaner flavor. Place the rinsed rice in your pot and add 1100ml of clean water. Let it soak for 30 minutes. Soaking the rice beforehand allows the grains to cook evenly, resulting in a fluffier and more delicious final dish. (This recipe serves 4-6 people, so please check your rice cooker’s capacity.)
Step 2
Now, let’s gather the ingredients that will add depth of flavor to our pot rice. Prepare 4 fresh tomatoes, scallions or leeks, 2 heads of garlic, 20g of fresh basil leaves, and 2 onions. The fresher your ingredients, the more vibrant the taste of your rice will be. You can use up to 30g of basil if you really enjoy its aroma.
Step 3
Next, we’ll prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the scallions or leeks. Finely dice 2 of the tomatoes to incorporate into the rice. For the remaining 2 tomatoes, remove the stems and make a cross-shaped incision at the bottom of each. This will help them open up beautifully as they cook.
Step 4
Dice the onions into small, bite-sized pieces, similar in size to the diced tomatoes. Uniform dicing ensures they cook evenly and blend well into the rice.
Step 5
Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh basil leaves. Then, thinly slice them into ribbons. This will distribute the fragrant basil flavor throughout the dish.
Step 6
Peel the garlic heads completely. You can use the cloves whole or slice them thinly, as you prefer. We’ll be sautéing the garlic to release its aromatic essence.
Step 7
If using green olives, prepare 5-8 olives. Remove the pits and thinly slice them. The briny, distinct flavor of olives will complement the tomatoes and basil wonderfully, adding a unique touch. If you don’t have olives, feel free to omit them.
Step 8
Now, let’s sauté. Heat 6 Tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add all the prepared garlic cloves. Gently stir and cook until the garlic turns golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; the goal is to infuse the oil with its delicious aroma.
Step 9
Once the garlic is golden, add the finely diced tomatoes and chopped onions to the pan. Sauté them together until the tomatoes break down and release their juices, and the onions become translucent. This cooking process deepens the savory notes of the tomatoes and brings out the natural sweetness of the onions.
Step 10
Transfer the soaked rice and water into your pressure cooker. Evenly spread the sautéed onion, garlic, and diced tomato mixture over the rice. Then, artfully arrange the 2 tomatoes with the cross-shaped incisions and the sliced green olives on top. Layering the ingredients like this will allow their flavors to meld beautifully as the rice cooks.
Step 11
Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook the rice as you normally would by selecting the ‘cook’ or ‘rice’ setting. Using a pressure cooker ensures the rice grains are tender and fluffy, and that the flavors of the ingredients are deeply infused into every bite.
Step 12
Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully open the lid. Drizzle the remaining 2 Tbsp of olive oil over the steaming rice. Generously sprinkle the thinly sliced fresh basil and chopped scallions (or leeks) over the top. You can add more olive oil if desired. Close the lid again and let it steam for 1-2 minutes to allow the basil aroma to fully bloom.
Step 13
Your aromatic Tomato Basil Rice Cooker Pot is ready! It looks as appetizing as it smells, with vibrant colors and a delightful fragrance that will surely stimulate your appetite.
Step 14
Gently fluff the rice in the pot with a spoon, then serve it into individual bowls. For an extra burst of flavor, you can mix it with soy sauce, tomato ketchup, or your favorite tomato sauce. I highly recommend a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and a dash of soy sauce for an incredibly delicious and sophisticated taste! Enjoy your meal!
