Tomato rice on a blue-and-white plate with yogurt and ayran on a coastal terrace.

Last updated: 14 October 2026

Tomato Rice Pilaf

Name: Tomato Rice Pilaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 1 cup Rice, uncooked white rice suitable for pilaf; 1 cup Tomato, ripe and grated; discard the skins. Buy 2 medium tomatoes per cup of pulp; 2 tbsp Butter, unsalted; 1 cup Water, boiling, for cooking; ½ tsp Table salt, fine; Water, for rinsing and soaking, plus extra boiling water only if needed, as needed

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Domatesli Pilav

Domatesli pilav with ripe grated tomatoes, butter and tender rice: a simple Turkish household side dish.

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 35 min
Rest: 40 min
Total: 1 hr 25 min
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Method

Prepare

Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear. Cover with warm water and soak for 30 minutes, then rinse and drain thoroughly.
Drain well so the soaking water does not change the cooking ratio.
Wash and halve the tomatoes. Grate the cut sides, leaving the skins behind, and measure the required pulp.
Measure the grated pulp, including its juice.

Cook and rest

Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan with a close-fitting lid. Add the tomato and cook uncovered over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and no longer watery.
A spoon drawn through the tomato leaves a brief trail.
Add the drained rice and stir gently for 3–5 minutes to coat it in the tomato and butter.
Keep the rice moving without crushing the grains.
Add the measured boiling water and salt. Stir once, bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce to the lowest heat. Cook for 12–15 minutes without stirring, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. If still firm and dry, add a little extra boiling water, cover and cook briefly; repeat only if needed.
Püf noktası · Kitchen tip
- Moisture Control
  Cook grains by absorption
  Match the liquid, covered cooking and resting stages to the grain and recipe.
Tender grains, no pool of water; avoid a mushy texture.
Remove from the heat and rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Lift the lid without dripping condensation onto the rice, fluff gently and serve.
Separate, moist grains rather than a wet sauce.

Cooking guidance

A buttery household pilaf with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes. Reducing the tomato before adding the rice concentrates its flavor; a covered rest helps the grains settle before serving.