Day 2: toddler-proof, no-overthinking version

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
• Oil
• Chili powder + cumin
• 1–2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup canned tomatoes (blended)
• 1 1/4 cups broth (chicken or water)
• Salt
• Butter (yes, keep this)

Method

1. Rinse rice twice. Drain well. Stop thinking.
2. Heat oil. Bloom spices.
3. Add tomato paste. Cook until dark and fragrant.
4. Add rice. Toast until some grains look opaque and smell nutty.
5. Add blended tomatoes + broth + salt.
6. Boil 3–5 min uncovered.
7. Cover. Simmer 18–20 min.
8. Turn off heat. Wait 5 min.
9. Butter on top. Fluff.