16 Greek Tomato Rice Pilaf Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Apr 2, 2024
The flavors of Greece come alive in this delicious and easy to make recipe for Greek Tomato Rice Pilaf. Made with fresh tomatoes and fragrant herbs, this dish is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal or as a side dish for a Greek-inspired dinner party.
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Extra Virgin Olive
This classic Greek meal is perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner. The tender and flavorful chicken is marinated in a tangy blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano. Serve it with a side of rice pilaf and a refreshing Greek salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Greek Beef Kabobs (aka Greek Souvlaki)
Main Ingredients: Beef Top Round, Olive Oil, Fresh Lemon Juice, Garlic
For a heartier option, try these Greek-style beef kabobs. The tender chunks of beef are marinated in a garlicky and herbaceous marinade before being skewered and grilled to perfection. Serve them with pita bread and a side of tzatziki sauce for a truly delicious Greek feast.
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Greek Chicken Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Fresh Lemon Juice, Red Wine
This Greek chicken rice bowl is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Marinated chicken is grilled and served over a bed of fluffy rice and topped with a fresh and tangy tomato and cucumber salad. It's a healthy and flavorful option that the whole family will love.
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Greek Chicken Rice Bowls
Main Ingredients: Butter, Rice, Water, Lemon Juice, Salt, Dried Parsley
Another variation of the Greek chicken rice bowl is to use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. This low-carb and gluten-free option is packed with all the same delicious flavors as the original version. It's a great way to get in some extra veggies and it's perfect for those following a keto or Paleo diet.
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Grilled Greek Souvlaki Bowls with Cauliflower Rice
Main Ingredients: Garlic Cloves, Lemon, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Oregano
This unique twist on the classic Greek souvlaki is a healthy and satisfying meal option. The juicy and flavorful chicken skewers are served over a bed of cauliflower rice and topped with a creamy and tangy tzatziki sauce. It's a great option for those looking to cut back on carbs without sacrificing flavor.
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Greek Turkey and Rice Skillet
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Ground Turkey, Dried Oregano, Salt
This one-pan meal is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Lean ground turkey is cooked with garlic, oregano, and spinach before being mixed with rice and feta cheese. It's a delicious and nutritious meal that can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.
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Greek Cauliflower Rice Pilaf Bowls
Main Ingredients: Head Cauliflower, Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Fine Sea
For a low-carb and vegetarian option, try these Greek cauliflower rice pilaf bowls. The cauliflower rice is cooked with garlic, spinach, and oregano before being topped with chickpeas, tomatoes, and feta cheese. It's a filling and flavorful meal that is perfect for those following a vegetarian or plant-based diet.
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Greek-Style Chicken Bowls
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Dried Rosemary, Dried
These Greek-style chicken bowls are a delicious and protein-packed meal option. The marinated chicken is grilled and served over a bed of rice and quinoa, along with a colorful mix of roasted vegetables. Top it off with a zesty and tangy lemon herb dressing for a burst of flavor.
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Greek Rice Gratin [vegetarian]
Main Ingredients: Courgettes, Cherry Tomatoes, Rice, Sun Dried Tomatoes
This Greek rice gratin is a vegetarian twist on the classic French dish. The rice is mixed with spinach, chickpeas, and feta cheese before being baked in the oven until golden and crispy. It's a comforting and flavorful meal that is perfect for a chilly evening.
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Greek-Style Beef Kabobs (aka Souvlaki)
Main Ingredients: Beef, Olive Oil, Fresh Lemon Juice, Garlic Cloves
For a meatier option, try these Greek-style beef kabobs. The tender pieces of beef are marinated in a blend of herbs and spices before being grilled to perfection. Serve them with a side of rice and a zesty and tangy tzatziki sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Greek Stuffed Peppers with Feta Cheese
Main Ingredients: Extra Lean Ground Beef, Salt, Ground Pepper, Olive Oil
These Greek stuffed peppers are a healthy and flavorful option for a weeknight dinner. The bell peppers are filled with a mix of ground turkey, rice, spinach, and feta cheese before being baked in the oven until tender. Serve them with a side of tzatziki sauce for a truly Greek-inspired meal.
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Greek Oregano Braised Chicken Dinner
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Large
This Greek oregano braised chicken dinner is a comforting and flavorful meal that is perfect for a chilly evening. The chicken is cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato and oregano sauce until tender and falling off the bone. Serve it with a side of rice or potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Instant Pot Greek Lemon Dill Chicken Bowls
Main Ingredients: Fresh Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest, Dijon Mustard, Honey
This Instant Pot Greek lemon dill chicken bowl is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken is cooked with lemon juice and dill for a bright and fresh flavor. Serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa and top it off with a creamy and tangy tzatziki sauce for a delicious and healthy meal.
These Greek chicken bowls are a colorful and nutritious meal option. The marinated chicken is grilled and served over a bed of rice or quinoa, along with a mix of roasted vegetables and chickpeas. Top it off with a zesty and tangy lemon herb dressing for a burst of flavor.
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Greek Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
Main Ingredients: Brown Rice, Cherry Tomatoes, Boneless Skinless Chicken
These Greek chicken meal prep bowls are perfect for those looking to meal prep for the week ahead. The marinated chicken is grilled and served over a bed of rice or quinoa, along with a mix of roasted vegetables and chickpeas. Top it off with a zesty and tangy lemon herb dressing for a burst of flavor.
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Greek Chicken Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Salt, Black Pepper, Ground Cumin
These Greek chicken meatballs are a lighter and healthier twist on traditional meatballs. The mixture of ground chicken, spinach, feta cheese, and oregano creates a flavorful and nutrient-packed option. Serve them with a side of rice or pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Butter, Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic
This chicken kapama is a hearty and flavorful Greek dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a Sunday dinner. The chicken is braised in a rich and aromatic tomato sauce that is infused with cinnamon. Serve it over a bed of rice or potatoes for a truly comforting meal.
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20 Minute Greek Chicken Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Fresh Lemon Juice, Red Wine
This 20 minute Greek chicken rice bowl is a quick and easy meal option for those busy weeknights. The marinated chicken is grilled and served over a bed of rice or quinoa, along with a mix of roasted vegetables and chickpeas. Top it off with a zesty and tangy lemon herb dressing for a burst of flavor.
These Greek stuffed vegetables are a colorful and healthy option for a vegetarian meal. The tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplant are stuffed with a mix of rice, spinach, chickpeas, and feta cheese before being baked until tender. Serve them with a side of tzatziki sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
These Greek turkey burgers are a lighter and healthier twist on traditional burgers. The ground turkey is mixed with garlic, oregano, and feta cheese before being grilled to perfection. Serve them on a bun or a bed of greens and top them with a zesty and tangy tzatziki sauce for a delicious and low-carb meal option.
The Inspiration Behind Greek Tomato Rice Pilaf
The History of Pilaf in Greek Cuisine
The origins of pilaf, or pilafi in Greek, can be traced back to ancient Greece. It is believed that the dish was first created in the region of Macedonia, where rice and grains were plentiful. The word "pilaf" is derived from the Turkish word "pilav," which means "cooked rice." Over the years, pilaf has evolved and become a staple in Greek cuisine, with each region adding its own unique twist to the dish.
The Role of Tomatoes in Greek Cooking
Tomatoes, or "domates" in Greek, are a key ingredient in many Greek dishes. They were introduced to Greece in the 16th century and quickly became a beloved ingredient in Mediterranean cooking. In fact, tomatoes are the star of the show in this Greek Tomato Rice Pilaf recipe, adding a burst of flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
The Ingredients for Greek Tomato Rice Pilaf
Tomatoes
When making Greek Tomato Rice Pilaf, it is important to use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. You can use any variety of tomato, but plum or Roma tomatoes work particularly well in this recipe.
Rice
For this dish, long-grain white rice is recommended. However, you can also use basmati or jasmine rice for a slightly nutty flavor. It is important to rinse the rice before cooking to remove any excess starch and ensure that the grains cook evenly.
Herbs and Spices
The key to the delicious flavor of this dish is the combination of herbs and spices used. Fresh parsley, dill, and oregano add a subtle earthiness, while garlic and onion add depth and aroma. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives the dish a hint of heat.
Making Greek Tomato Rice Pilaf
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
The first step in making Greek Tomato Rice Pilaf is to sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until they are translucent. This will create a flavorful base for the dish.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Rice
Next, add the chopped tomatoes and rice to the pan and stir until the rice is coated with the oil and vegetables.
Step 3: Add the Liquid and Seasonings
After the rice has been coated, add the chicken or vegetable broth, along with the herbs and spices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the rice is fully cooked.
Step 4: Fluff and Serve
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it sit for a few minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together. Serve the Greek Tomato Rice Pilaf as a side dish or add your choice of protein to make it a complete meal.
Conclusion: With its rich history and vibrant flavor, Greek Tomato Rice Pilaf is a must-try for any lover of Greek cuisine. This versatile dish can be served as a side or a main course and is perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients and transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this delicious recipe.
