Description
Polish Tomato Rice Soup, known as Pomidorowa z Ryzem, is a comforting and flavorful traditional soup made with a savory blend of tomato paste, aromatic vegetables, and tender rice simmered in vegetable or chicken stock. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a wholesome meal, showcasing classic Eastern European flavors with a gentle spiced undertone from allspice and bay leaf.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 small leek, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely grated
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice powder
- 5 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup short grained rice
- 4 1/4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot set over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion, leek, and grated carrot. Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and translucent, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Tomato Paste: Stir in the bay leaf, allspice powder, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine the flavors and coat the vegetables evenly with the tomato paste.
- Add Rice and Stock: Pour in the short-grained rice followed by the vegetable or chicken stock into the pot. Stir everything gently to distribute the rice throughout the soup.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Stir well, ladle into bowls, and serve warm for a nourishing meal.
Notes
- Short-grained rice works best to add creaminess and texture to the soup.
- You can substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock to keep the soup vegetarian.
- Adjust the amount of tomato paste based on your taste preference for a more or less intense tomato flavor.
- For an extra touch of freshness, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill before serving.
- This soup reheats well and is great for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish