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Baked Rice with Tomato and Garlic Confit

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This aromatic baked rice dish combines sweet, slow-roasted cherry tomatoes and confited garlic with herbs and spices for deep flavor. Fluffy basmati rice absorbs all the richness, making it a standout side or vegetarian main.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6 as a side or 4 as a main
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 pounds (800 grams) cherry tomatoes
  • 12 large garlic cloves or 25 small cloves, peeled and halved if large
  • 4 large shallots, cut into 1 1/4 inch (3 cm) pieces
  • 1 1/4 cups cilantro stems, cut into 1 1/2 inch (4 cm) lengths (leaves reserved for garnish)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 4 small cinnamon sticks, broken in half if large
  • 7 tablespoons (100 ml) olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more for seasoning
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) basmati rice
  • 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) boiling water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. In a large 8 x 12-inch (20 x 30 cm) baking dish, arrange cherry tomatoes, garlic, shallots, cilantro stems, thyme, and cinnamon sticks.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
  5. Remove from the oven and sprinkle basmati rice evenly over the top without stirring.
  6. Increase oven temperature to 450°F (230°C).
  7. Season rice with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Carefully pour boiling water evenly over everything.
  8. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes to steam.
  10. Uncover, gently fluff the rice, and garnish with reserved cilantro leaves before serving.

Notes

  • Add cooked chickpeas or white beans before baking for a protein boost.
  • Swap in jasmine rice if basmati isn’t available.
  • Fresh parsley or mint can replace cilantro for garnish.
  • The dish can be made ahead and reheats beautifully.
  • Resting after baking helps rice finish cooking with steam.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/baked-rice-with-tomato-and-garlic-confit/