Italian Rice al Pomodoro

Italian Rice al Pomodoro, or 'Riso al Pomodoro,' is a simple and comforting Italian dish where rice is cooked in a savory tomato sauce, often with garlic, basil, and olive oil. It's a staple in many Italian households, particularly in the south, and can be served as a side dish or a light main course.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the rice, with a moderate amount of fat from olive oil and minimal protein. A typical serving provides around 300-400 calories, along with vitamins like vitamin C and lycopene from the tomatoes.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	220 kcal
Protein	4.5 g
Carbs	42 g
Fat	3.5 g
Fiber	2.5 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	480 mg
Potassium	280 mg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Vitamin A	1200 IU
Iron	2.1 mg
Calcium	30 mg
Magnesium	25 mg
Phosphorus	80 mg
Vitamin B6	0.2 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Riso al Pomodoro is a testament to the Italian philosophy of 'cucina povera' (poor cooking), transforming simple, affordable ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying meal. Nutritionally, the lycopene in cooked tomatoes is more easily absorbed by the body, making this dish a surprisingly good source of this antioxidant.