Smoky Tomato Ham Rice Skillet with Celery Crunch

Smoky Tomato Ham Rice Skillet with Celery Crunch 🍅🌿 This is the kind of pan of rice that feels cosy without becoming heavy: tomato-rich grains, smoky diced ham, roasted red pepper, paprika, and a bright celery-lemon crunch added at the end. It is easy enough for a weeknight and useful as a one-pan lunch box base too. Yield: 4 portions Time: about 35 minutes Ingredients 🧾 - 2 tbsp olive oil - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 celery sticks, finely diced, plus celery leaves for finishing - 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped - 1 tsp smoked paprika - 1/2 tsp sweet paprika - 2 tbsp tomato paste - 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed and drained - 1 3/4 cups hot chicken or vegetable stock - 1 cup diced cooked ham - 1/2 cup roasted red pepper, diced - 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 1 small handful parsley, chopped - 1 lemon, zested, with 1 tbsp juice reserved - Optional: pinch of chilli flakes, a spoon of peas, or extra roasted pepper Method 👩‍🍳 1. Warm the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and diced celery with a pinch of salt. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and smell sweet. 2. Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, sweet paprika and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, just until the paste darkens slightly and the paprika smells warm, not burnt. 3. Add the rinsed rice and stir for 1 minute so the grains are coated in the tomato oil. Pour in the hot stock, then stir in the ham, roasted red pepper, salt and black pepper. 4. Bring to a gentle bubble, cover, and cook on low for 15-18 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has absorbed. If the pan dries before the rice is ready, add 2-3 tbsp hot water and cover again. 5. Turn off the heat and rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork so the grains stay loose rather than packed. 6. Mix parsley, lemon zest, celery leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Scatter this fresh crunch over the warm rice just before serving. Serving ideas 🍽️ Serve with a green salad, fried egg, roasted vegetables, or a spoon of thick yogurt. For a bigger dinner, add chickpeas, peas, or leftover roast chicken. Storage tip 🥡 Cool quickly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water in a covered pan, then add the celery-herb crunch fresh after warming. Save this one for a quick savoury rice night - simple pantry ingredients, big tomato comfort, and a fresh finish. ✨ Tasteloom.club