Introduction: Tomato Rice Recipe
Tomato Rice Recipe: Tomato Rice is a healthy and flavorful rice dish made with basmati rice and a spiced tomato masala. It’s a versatile one-pot meal suitable for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast. This South Indian specialty is often enjoyed without any side dish, but it pairs wonderfully with a tangy raita.
Ingredients: Tomato Rice Recipe
For Boiling:
- Water
For Tomato Masala Paste:
- 8 tomatoes
- 10 dried red chilies
For Tempering:
- ¼ cup oil
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon urad dal
- 1 teaspoon chana dal
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 pods cardamom
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- ½ teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, chopped
- 3 tablespoons cashews
- ½ onion, sliced
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
- 1 tomato, chopped
Instructions: Tomato Rice Recipe
Preparing Tomato Masala Paste:
- Boil water in a pan and add tomatoes and dried red chilies.
- Boil for 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the skin separates.
- Cool completely, then grind to a smooth puree. Set aside.
Tempering:
- Heat oil and ghee in a large pan.
- Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, urad dal, chana dal, bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, and asafoetida.
- Add grated ginger, chopped garlic, green chili, and cashews. Sauté until the cashews turn golden brown.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until softened.
Adding Spices:
- Reduce the flame and add turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Sauté until the spices become aromatic.
- Stir in chopped mint leaves and coriander leaves.
Cooking Tomato Masala:
- Add the prepared tomato puree and chopped tomato. Cook well.
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the oil separates from the sides.
Storing Tomato Rice Mix:
- Cool the tomato masala completely and store it in a glass jar. Refrigerate for up to a month.
Preparing Tomato Rice:
- In a large bowl, take boiled rice and add the desired amount of tomato rice paste. Mix well.
- Serve Tomato Rice with raita and papad.
Conclusion:
Enjoy this flavorful Tomato Rice Recipe, packed with the goodness of ripe tomatoes and aromatic spices. Whether as a quick meal or a lunchbox option, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Experiment with different variations and enjoy the delightful flavors of South Indian cuisine at home.
FAQs about Tomato Rice Recipe
Can I use store-bought tomato puree instead of making the puree from scratch?
Yes, you can use store-bought tomato puree as a convenient alternative. It will help to hasten the cooking process without compromising much on the flavor.
How long can I store the prepared tomato rice mix in the refrigerator?
You can store the tomato rice mix in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to a month. Ensure it is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
Can I use other types of rice instead of basmati rice?
Yes, you can use other varieties of rice like sona masuri rice as a substitute for basmati rice. The dish will still turn out delicious with a slightly different texture.
Is tomato rice suitable for serving at room temperature or should it be served hot?
Tomato rice can be enjoyed both hot and at room temperature. It’s a versatile dish that tastes great even when it’s not freshly cooked.
Can I freeze the prepared tomato rice for later use?
Yes, you can freeze tomato rice for later use.Place it in airtight containers and freeze for a maximum of 3 months. To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
