Tomato Garlic Rice with Fresh Herbs Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice (rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes)
• 3 cups water or vegetable broth (warm)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 medium ripe tomatoes (finely chopped or pureed)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Fresh Herb Mix
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped, optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (optional, for brightness)
• 1 tbsp toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional)
• Extra fresh herbs for serving