Baked Rice With Slow Roasted Tomatoes & Feta Lamb Meatballs

This recipe is inspired by Yotam Ottolenghi’s cookbook *Simple*, though I made several alterations and ingredient substitutions to work with what we’ve got on hand at the farm. Ottolenghi’s method for baking rice is perfect for someone like me who always seems to burn stovetop rice. The result is perfectly cooked rice with slow-roasted tomatoes and garlic that melt in your mouth. This wonderful late-summer dish highlights peak season bounty with a warm cozy vibe in the kitchen. Pair it with a light red wine like Pinot Noir for a truly delicious meal.

Ingredients

Baked Rice with Slow Roasted Tomatoes

• 2 pints tomatoes
• 12 large garlic cloves, peeled
• 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 7 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups wild rice or basmati rice
• 2 1/2 cups boiling water
• 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley

Feta Lamb Meatballs

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 3 ounces crumbled feta
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• Plain whole milk yogurt for serving
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for serving

Directions

Preheat the Oven

1. Set the Temperature:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Slow Roasted Tomatoes

1. Arrange the Ingredients:
   Arrange the tomatoes, peeled garlic cloves, fresh thyme sprigs, and cinnamon sticks in a large deep casserole dish.
2. Season and Coat:
   Pour the olive oil over the tomatoes and season with a hefty pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly with the oil and seasonings.
3. Bake:
   Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour, allowing the tomatoes and garlic to slowly roast and develop their flavors.

Bake the Rice

1. Prepare the Rice:
   After the tomatoes have roasted for an hour, remove the casserole dish from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the rice over the top of the roasted tomatoes without stirring.
2. Increase the Heat:
   Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C).
3. Season and Add Water:
   Sprinkle more salt and pepper over the top of the rice for added flavor. Pour 2 1/2 cups of boiling water over the rice, ensuring all the grains are submerged.
4. Seal and Bake:
   Seal the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
5. Finish with Parsley:
   Once done, remove the casserole dish from the oven, carefully lift the foil, and sprinkle the finely chopped parsley over the top. Set aside and keep warm.

Prepare the Feta Lamb Meatballs

1. Lower the Oven Temperature:
   Lower the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix the Ingredients:
   Combine the ground lamb, crumbled feta, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped parsley, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients until well combined.
3. Form the Meatballs:
   Using your hands, form the lamb mixture into meatballs about 2 inches in diameter.
4. Bake:
   Place the meatballs on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Bake the meatballs in the oven for about 20 minutes or until they are cooked and lightly browned on top. Remove the meatballs from the oven and set them aside.

Assemble and Serve

1. Plate the Dish:
   Divide the baked rice and slow-roasted tomatoes between serving bowls.
2. Add the Meatballs:
   Place several lamb meatballs on top of the rice in each bowl.
3. Serve with Yogurt:
   Serve with a dollop of plain whole milk yogurt on the side. Sprinkle additional salt and pepper to taste, and if desired, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Optional Garnishes

• For added freshness, you can garnish the dish with extra chopped parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

This Baked Rice with Slow-Roasted Tomatoes & Feta Lamb Meatballs is a heartwarming dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of slow-cooked tomatoes, tender lamb, and perfectly cooked rice. Enjoy it as a satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions!