Tomatoes and rice are staples of any Portuguese cuisine. One of the most simple but delicious dishes you can make with these two simple ingredients is “Arroz com Tomates”. It is one of my favorites and I am sure many Portuguese people worldwide. The recipe is super simple and easy to follow, so please tell us if you have any questions or comments about what you think of this dish in the comment box below!

Ingredients:
1/4 cup Portuguese olive oil
1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
2 1/4 cups water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice

Directions:
1) In a 4-quart medium saucepan heat the oil over high heat until hot.
2) Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, 4 minutes.
3) Add the garlic, salt, red pepper, and bay leaf and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes.
4) Add the water, parsley and cilantro and bring to a boil. Add the rice and stir well.
5) When the liquid returns to a boil, stir again, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low.
6) Cook the rice undisturbed for 20 minutes, or until the liquid is dissolved and the rice is tender.
7) Let the rice stand for 5 minutes undisturbed before fluffing with a fork. Serve immediately.

This recipe is inspired by our friend Emeril Lagasse over at the Food Network so check them out because they have tons of great Portuguese recipes as well!