Tomato Rice recipe is a South Indian favorite that combines ripe tomatoes, spices, and fluffy rice. Not only is it super simple to make, but it’s also versatile – great for a quick meal or as a side dish. On busy days, it’s a one-pot wonder!
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🍅About Tomato Rice
Tomato Rice recipe has deep roots in South Indian cuisine, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Although all three states share this delicious dish, each adds its own twist, with unique spices and ingredients.
Interestingly, tomatoes were introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Since then, they’ve become a staple in Indian cooking, especially in rice dishes like Tomato Rice.
In fact, tomatoes are now one of the most-loved ingredients in Indian kitchens!
Tomato Rice evolved differently across South India, developing regional flavors:
- Tamil Nadu: Known for its fragrant base made with curry leaves, mustard seeds, and garlic.
- Karnataka: Often includes coconut or ginger for a slightly sweet twist.
- Andhra Pradesh: Famous for its spicy version, packed with green chilies and red chili powder.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value of Tomato Rice
- Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes are packed with vitamin C, lycopene, and antioxidants. These help reduce inflammation and boost immunity, keeping you healthy!
- High in Fiber: When combined with veggies or brown rice, Tomato Rice is a fiber-rich meal, promoting good digestion and gut health!
- Low in Fat: Made with minimal oil, Tomato Rice is a low-fat meal, perfect for those seeking a light and nutritious dish. Ideal for a healthy lifestyle!
- Vegan & Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free, catering to a variety of dietary preferences and food sensitivities!
What is Tomato Rice?
Tomato Rice recipe is a delicious one-pot dish made with rice, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices like cumin and turmeric.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet tasty!
Whether you're looking for something comforting or a flavor boost, Tomato Rice is the answer. It's like a warm hug for your taste buds!
Versatile & Customizable: Spicy or mild—you can make Tomato Rice recipe your way! Add veggies, nuts, or even fried onions to elevate the flavor! It pairs well with yogurt, papad, or any side dish you love.
Tomato Rice is not only famous recipe in South India but loved all around the world!
Whether it’s a lunchbox meal for school, picnic food, or a simple side dish, this rice dish has broad appeal.
What You'll Need to Make This Tomato Rice?
Key Ingredients:
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Fresh, Juicy Tomatoes: The fresh, ripe tomatoes are crucial for giving Tomato Rice that tangy kick! They should be juicy and sweet—this balance is what makes the rice so flavorful. Without them, the dish wouldn’t have that perfect tanginess we all love!
- Fluffy, Separate Rice: When making Tomato Rice, you need Sona Masuri, Ponni, or Basmati rice for the best results. These types of rice give you fluffy, separate grains—this is key so that the rice doesn't turn mushy!
- Spices & Herbs:
- The spices in Tomato Rice bring it to life! Here's what you'll need:
- Cumin & Coriander Seeds: They give an earthy flavor and balance.
- Garam Masala or Sambar Powder: These add depth and a spicy warmth.
- Curry Leaves & Mustard Seeds: These are the soul of South Indian flavors!
- Optional Additions:
- Want to make the dish even tastier? Here’s how:
- Onions, Ginger, and Garlic can be sautéed to add extra richness and flavor.
- Chili Powder gives it a spicy kick, but you can always adjust the spice level based on your taste!
✨ Discover More Delicious Recipes! ✨
- Paneer Butter Masala – Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-tasty!
- Rajma Rice – Comfort in every bite!
- Rajma – A classic with a twist!
- Paneer Makhani – Melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
- Palak Rice – Healthy and full of flavor!
How to Make Tomato Rice
Step by Step Instructions
Cook the Rice
- Rinse the Rice
- First things first! Rinse 1 cup of Basmati rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This helps wash away the extra starch, making sure your rice won't be sticky!
- Cook the Rice
- Now, take a pot and add the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil.
- Once it's boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- When done, fluff it with a fork so the rice is nice and fluffy! Then, set it aside to cool.
Prepare the Tomato Masala
- Heat the Oil
- Grab a large pan and heat up 2 tablespoons of oil (or ghee if you like it extra rich!) over medium heat.
- Temper the Spices
- When the oil is hot, toss in 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 tablespoon urad dal, and 1 tablespoon chana dal.
- Sauté these until the dals turn a golden brown color.
- Add the Aromatics
- Now, add 1 dried red chili and 10-12 curry leaves. Stir them for about 30 seconds until they smell amazing!
- Cook the Onion
- Add in the finely chopped onion and cook it until it becomes translucent (about 4-5 minutes). You’ll know it’s ready when it turns soft and a little golden.
- Add Ginger-Garlic Paste
- Stir in 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute to get rid of the raw smell. This gives the masala a rich flavor!
- Add Tomatoes & Spices
- Toss in your finely chopped tomatoes, 2 slit green chilies, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Let this cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then, until the tomatoes are soft and mushy!
- Add Garam Masala
- When the tomatoes are cooked down and the oil starts to separate, stir in ½ teaspoon garam masala. This is the magic ingredient!
Combine Rice with Tomato Masala
- Mix the Rice & Tomato Masala
- Time to bring it all together! Gently add the cooked rice into the tomato masala. Toss and mix carefully, so the rice gets coated with all that yummy tomato goodness. Don’t break the grains!
- Garnish
- Once everything is mixed, turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. It adds a fresh, green pop!
Serve
- Serve and Enjoy
- Now, you’re ready to serve your delicious Tomato Rice recipe!
- Enjoy it hot with papad, raita, or a side salad for a perfect meal!
Variations and Creative Twists on Tomato Rice
1. Spicy Tomato Rice: If you love heat, add more green chilies, ginger, and red chili powder. In addition, smoky red chilies or a dash of smoked paprika can take the flavor to the next level!
2. Tomato Rice with Coconut: Alternatively, try adding grated coconut to the masala! This is popular in Karnataka or Kerala, where coconut gives the dish a creamy texture and balances the tangy tomatoes. As a result, the flavor becomes a bit milder and richer.
3. Tomato Rice with Paneer: Another key point is to add cubes of paneer. Not only does it make the dish more filling, but also it turns into a one-pot meal with a protein-packed punch. This is a great option for vegetarians!
4. Tomato Rice with Vegetables: For one thing, you can make a veggie version by adding peas, carrots, and beans. In effect, this adds color and nutrition, turning your dish into a complete, healthy meal!
Pairing Suggestions & Serving Ideas
Accompaniments:
- Cucumber Raita or Onion Raita to cool the heat. As a result, it balances the spiciness of the rice.
- Papad for an extra crunch, making each bite more enjoyable.
- Lemon pickle or mango pickle to add that tangy, spicy kick. Moreover, it elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
Side Dishes:
- Simple dal tadka or a vegetable curry makes for a wholesome, satisfying meal. Consequently, you get a well-rounded, nourishing feast.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Tomato Rice
1. Balancing Flavors: As can be seen, tomatoes bring acidity, which can sometimes overpower the dish. To balance this, add a pinch of sugar to mellow the tartness. Furthermore, adding curry leaves at the end enhances the aroma and flavor profile, making it even more fragrant!
2. Choosing the Right Tomatoes: To begin with, use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor. As a matter of fact, ripe tomatoes give the rice a deep, rich taste. Moreover, avoid overly soft or green tomatoes for the best results.
3. Avoiding Mushy Rice: Before mixing with the tomato masala, slightly undercook the rice. In other words, let it remain a little firm as it will cook further when combined. Thus, you’ll avoid mushy rice and get perfect grains. After all, texture is key!
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❔FAQs
Yes, leftover rice works great for making tomato rice. In fact, day-old rice tends to hold its shape better and results in a less sticky texture.
Basmati rice is preferred for its fragrance and long grains, but regular short-grain rice or even leftover rice can be used for this recipe.
Tomato rice pairs well with raita, papad, fried appalams, or a simple cucumber salad. A dollop of yogurt or pickle also makes a good accompaniment.
Yes, you can make tomato rice in an Instant Pot. Sauté the spices and vegetables using the sauté mode, add the rice and water, and then cook on the rice setting for 5 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for best results.
Tomato rice stays fresh for about 2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can reheat it in a microwave or on a stovetop with a sprinkle of water to revive the flavors.
Tomato Rice Recipe
Ingredients
For Cooking Rice:
- 1 Cup Basmati rice (or regular rice)
- 2 Cup Water
- Salt to taste
For Tomato Masala:
- 2 tablespoon Oil (or ghee)
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon Urad dal (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Chana dal (optional)
- 1 Dried red chili
- 10-12 Curry leaves
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 Tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 Green chilies, slit
- 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon Garam masala
- Salt to taste
- ¼ Cup Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Rice
Rinse the Rice
- First things first! Rinse 1 cup of Basmati rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This helps wash away the extra starch, making sure your rice won't be sticky!
Cook the Rice
- Now, take a pot and add the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil.
- Once it's boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- When done, fluff it with a fork so the rice is nice and fluffy! Then, set it aside to cool.
Prepare the Tomato Masala
Heat the Oil
- Grab a large pan and heat up 2 tablespoons of oil (or ghee if you like it extra rich!) over medium heat.
Temper the Spices
- When the oil is hot, toss in 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 tablespoon urad dal, and 1 tablespoon chana dal.
- Sauté these until the dals turn a golden brown color.
Add the Aromatics
- Now, add 1 dried red chili and 10-12 curry leaves. Stir them for about 30 seconds until they smell amazing!
Cook the Onion
- Add in the finely chopped onion and cook it until it becomes translucent (about 4-5 minutes). You’ll know it’s ready when it turns soft and a little golden.
Add Ginger-Garlic Paste
- Stir in 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute to get rid of the raw smell. This gives the masala a rich flavor!
Add Tomatoes & Spices
- Toss in your finely chopped tomatoes, 2 slit green chilies, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Let this cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then, until the tomatoes are soft and mushy!
Add Garam Masala
- When the tomatoes are cooked down and the oil starts to separate, stir in ½ teaspoon garam masala. This is the magic ingredient!
Combine Rice with Tomato Masala
Mix the Rice & Tomato Masala
- Time to bring it all together! Gently add the cooked rice into the tomato masala. Toss and mix carefully, so the rice gets coated with all that yummy tomato goodness. Don’t break the grains!
Garnish
- Once everything is mixed, turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. It adds a fresh, green pop!
Serve
Serve and Enjoy
- Now, you’re ready to serve your delicious Tomato Rice recipe!
- Enjoy it hot with papad, raita, or a side salad for a perfect meal!
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