Tomato Rice With Crispy Cheddar

This recipe, fondly nicknamed "Rice Pizza," is from Priya Krishna's cookbook Indian-ish. A South Indian recipe made with tomato rice and onions, combined with Spanish rice, this dish may sound confusing, but the joy it brings becomes all too visible at first bite. Don't ask too many questions, just enjoy the rice pizza.

Yield: 4 servings
Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
1 small Indian green chile finely chopped
10 plum tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups cooked basmati rice (from about 1 cup dry rice)
1 cup shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese

PREPARATION

1

Adjust an oven rack to the highest position and heat the oven to 500 degrees. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the onion and chile, spread them out in an even layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and starts to lightly char, 5 to 7 minutes.

2

Increase the heat to high and add the tomatoes, using the back of a wooden spoon to lightly crush them. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down into a chunky sauce, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the salt and remove from heat.

3

Stir in the cooked rice and transfer to an 8-inch square (or similar size) baking dish. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top in an even layer.

4

Switch the oven to broil and place the baking dish on the oven rack closest to the broiler. Broil until the top bubbles and turns golden brown, about 3 minutes. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your fine meal.
You've earned it.