Friday 25 July 2008

Tomato, basil and rice salad


The key to this simple salad, which I got from a French friend several years ago, is frying the onion well as it providea a really flavourful base to the rice. Frugal and delicious.

Serves 4

3 tbsp olive oil + extra if needed
1 medium to large onion, peeled and roughly chopped
200ml basmati rice (measured in a jug)
400ml water
4-5 medium-sized, ripe tomatoes
2-3 heaped tbsp basil, tarragon or parsley leaves
Red or white wine vinegar to taste
Salt and pepper

Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the chopped onion and fry over a medium heat for about 5-6 minutes until the edges of the onion are beginning to turn dark brown. Tip in the rice, stir then add the water and stir again. Bring to the boil, put a lid on the pan, turn the heat down and cook until the water has been absorbed (12-15 minutes). Turn off the heat and leave another 5 minutes. Meanwhile skin the tomatoes by nicking the skin near the stem with a sharp knife, putting them in a bowl and pouring boiling water over them. Leave a minute, then drain and cover with cold water. The skins should come away easily. Roughly chop the tomatoes. Spread the rice out in a shallow dish and leave to cool for five minutes then add the chopped tomatoes. Season to taste with salt, pepper and a few drops of wine vinegar and mix well. Just before serving add a couple of heaped tablespoons of torn basil or tarragon leaves and toss the salad again, adding a little extra olive oil if you think it needs it. Best served at room temperature. (Particularly good with grilled chicken).

7 comments:

Beth (jamandcream) said...

This looks delicious. Now I know how Im going to use up all the tomatoes I have!!

Fiona Beckett said...

That's what inspired it, Beth. Leftover, slightly overripe tomatoes . . . ! See you've been playing around with rice salads too. I like them better than pasta salads - less heavy in hot weather.

aforkfulofspaghetti said...

An interesting recipe. All the right ingredients... Will give it a whirl!

Fiona Beckett said...

Thnx AFOS. Let me know how it goes . . .

Anonymous said...

This looks SO yummy.

tiff said...

This is the PERFECT answer to my question tonight. Can't wait to make it and enjoy with a grilled steak and some fresh corn!

tiff said...

Um, my question being "I wonder if anyone has a recipe for a rice, tomato, and basil salad"? :)

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