
Tomato Rice Pilaf is a vibrant, one-pot dish where rice is cooked in a flavorful broth of tomatoes, onions, and aromatic spices, resulting in a savory, slightly tangy flavor. It's a staple comfort food found in many variations across Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cuisines, often featuring ingredients like garlic, bell peppers, and herbs.
This dish is primarily a carbohydrate-rich meal from the rice, with moderate fat from any cooking oil used and some protein from the rice itself. It provides key nutrients like vitamin C and lycopene from the tomatoes, along with B vitamins from the rice, with a typical serving containing around 300-400 calories.
| Calories | 215 kcal |
| Protein | 4.5 g |
| Carbs | 42 g |
| Fat | 3.5 g |
| Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg RAE |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
| Phosphorus | 95 mg |
| Folate | 40 mcg DFE |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.15 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, it's a versatile dish that showcases the global journey of tomatoes, transforming a simple grain into a colorful, aromatic centerpiece. Nutritionally, cooking tomatoes in this way can increase the bioavailability of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to various health benefits.