Top garlic, spinach and saffron flavoured rice with some tomatoes to make this quick and easy meal. Ready in just 15 mins, it’s the perfect mid-week meal option
Ingredients
- 2tbsps olive oil
- 300g baby plum tomatoes, halved
- Pinch of saffron strands
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 250g pack cooked microwave basmati rice
- 2 good handfuls (60g/2oz) spinach leaves, washed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Handful of small basil leaves
- 4tbsps freshly grated Parmesan
Method
Heat a frying pan, add the oil and the tomatoes, in one layer, and cook for about 3 mins, to soften and colour them, but ensure they still hold their shape. Take out of the pan, using a draining spoon, and set aside.
Put the saffron in a cup with 4 tbsps hot water.
Add the garlic and rice to the tomato juices left in the pan, breaking the rice up with a fork. Then stir in the saffron and water, and the spinach. Let it wilt a little into the rice for a few mins. Season.
Stir in the tomatoes and basil leaves, sprinkle with a couple of tbsps of Parmesan, then serve with the extra Parmesan.
Top tip for making Tomatoes with saffron rice
We tried and liked Tilda and M&S rice in packs. Look out for frozen rice, too. If you don’t want to use saffron, try the recipe with a pack of pilau rice for extra colour and flavour.
