Easy Red Rice Recipe: Fluffy, Flavorful, and Delicious

This flavorful red rice pairs beautifully with almost any main course, but it's so delicious and satisfying that you might find yourself enjoying it on its own. With just a handful of simple ingredients, the secret lies in allowing the onions to turn golden and briefly sautéing the tomato paste before adding the water. These small steps create a rich, savory flavor that makes all the difference.

Ingredients

• 2 cups white basmati rice (use the same measuring cup for the rice and water)

• 2 medium onions, chopped

• 3 tablespoons oil

• 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

• 2 teaspoons chicken soup powder

• ½ teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomato paste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 level teaspoon salt

• 4 cups boiling water

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice in a strainer several times until the water runs less cloudy. Drain thoroughly while preparing the onions. There is no need to soak the rice.

2. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Add the chopped onions and sauté over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden. If the onions begin to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.

3. Add the crushed garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning.

4. Add the drained rice and sweet paprika. Stir gently for about a minute to coat the rice evenly with the flavorful mixture.

5. Dissolve the chicken soup powder and sugar in the boiling water. Carefully pour the mixture into the saucepan, add the black pepper, and stir once. Taste a small amount of the liquid carefully and adjust the salt only if necessary.

6. Bring to a gentle boil, cover the saucepan, and immediately reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Cook for 18–20 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring.

7. Turn off the heat and leave the saucepan covered for another 10 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming. Remove the lid, gently fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.

Tip: For the best flavor and texture, don't rush the onions or skip sautéing the tomato paste. Allowing the rice to rest after cooking also helps keep the grains light, fluffy, and separate.