Skip to main content

Shrimp and Tomato Pilaf

This can be served as a first course or a main dish. It has a deliciously fresh tomato flavor with a touch of cinnamon.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

1Ā 1/2 pounds tomatoes
1 large onion, chopped
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 chili pepper, finely chopped
2 chicken bouillon cubes
2 cups American long-grain rice
Salt and pepper
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1Ā 1/4 pounds peeled cooked large shrimp
2 lemons, cut into quarters, to serve with

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Peel the tomatoes and liquefy them in the food processor, then measure their volume. It should add up to a little more than 2Ā 1/4 cups.

    Step 2

    Fry the onion in the oil till soft and lightly colored. Add the garlic and the chili and stir until the aroma rises.

    Step 3

    Add the liquid tomatoes and just enough water to make up 4Ā 1/2 cups with the tomatoes. Stir in the crumbled bouillon cubes and bring to the boil. Add the rice, salt and pepper, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir well and cook, covered, on low heat for 15–20 minutes. The rice should be tender but still a little moist. Fold in the shrimp gently and heat through with the lid on. Serve hot, accompanied by lemon wedges.

Cover of Claudia Roden's The New Book of Middle Easter Food, featuring a blue filigree bowl filled with Meyer lemons and sprigs of mint.
Reprinted with permission from The New Book of Middle Eastern Food, copyright Ā© 2000 by Claudia Roden, published by Knopf. Buy the full book on Amazon or Bookshop.
Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
The golden, crunchy corners are worth fighting over.
Not stuffed shells. But not not stuffed shells either.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like spicy carrot rigatoni and weeknight-fancy ravioli with peas.
A veg-forward main or gets-along-with-everyone side.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
The most efficient method takes less than an hour, but you might not even need it.