Tomato Rice is a delightful dish that has become a staple in many households, thanks to its simplicity and rich flavors. This quick and savory recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking for a comforting meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients—basmati rice, fresh tomatoes, and a few spices—you can whip up a delicious meal in just 20 minutes!
The beauty of Tomato Rice lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer it mild or with a bit of heat, this dish can accommodate your cravings. The base of diced tomatoes combined with spices like turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, and garam masala creates a flavorful profile that elevates the simple rice to something truly special. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with plain yogurt, adding a creamy contrast to the savory rice.
To prepare this dish, start by soaking 2 cups of basmati rice to achieve that perfect fluffy texture. While the rice soaks, you can prepare the flavorful base in a pressure cooker. Heating 3 tablespoons of oil along with 1 tablespoon of ghee adds richness to the dish right from the start. The addition of cumin seeds and curry leaves infuses the oil with aromatic flavors that set the stage for the rest of your ingredients.
Once your spices are sizzling, add chopped onions, followed by ginger-garlic paste and green chili paste to create a fragrant mixture. The key to a great Tomato Rice is building layers of flavor, and this step is crucial. After sautéing these ingredients, introduce your diced tomatoes and let them cook down into a thick gravy base. This is where the magic happens—the tomatoes meld with the spices to create a rich sauce that coats every grain of rice.
After your gravy is ready, it’s time to add the soaked basmati rice along with water. The cooking process is straightforward: boil for a few minutes before sealing the pressure cooker. In just 5 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked Tomato Rice that’s bursting with flavor. Once done, garnish with fresh coriander and a drizzle of ghee for an extra touch of indulgence.
This Tomato Rice recipe isn’t just quick; it’s also packed with nutrition. The tomatoes provide vitamins and antioxidants while the spices offer various health benefits. Plus, it’s an excellent way to introduce more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.
Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or as a side, Tomato Rice is sure to impress family and friends alike. Its vibrant color and inviting aroma make it an appealing addition to any meal. So why not give this easy recipe a try? You’ll find that Tomato Rice quickly becomes your go-to comfort food!
Easy Tomato Rice Recipe: Wholesome Comfort in Just 20 Minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- 3 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp ghee
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 6-7 curry leaves
- ½ tsp green chili paste
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- salt to taste
- freshly chopped coriander (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Rice
- Begin by soaking 2 cups basmati rice in water. This helps achieve fluffy rice once cooked. After soaking, drain and set aside.
Create the Tomato Base
- In a pressure cooker, heat 3 tbsp oil along with 1 tbsp ghee over medium heat.
- Once hot, add ½ tsp cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Then, add 6-7 curry leaves and ¼ cup chopped onions, sautéing until the onions turn translucent.
- Stir in ½ tsp green chili paste and 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Next, add ½ tsp turmeric powder, 2 tsp kashmiri red chili powder, and 1 tbsp coriander powder, mixing well to combine all the spices.
- Add 1 cup diced tomatoes to the mixture and cook until the tomatoes break down and form a thick gravy base, stirring occasionally.
- Once the tomato mixture is ready, add ½ tsp garam masala, 1 tsp kasoori methi, and salt to taste. Mix everything thoroughly.
Combine Rice and Water
- Gently fold in the soaked basmati rice, ensuring it’s well coated with the tomato gravy. Add enough water to cover the rice (about 4 cups, depending on your preference for rice texture).
- Bring the mixture to a boil for about 2-3 minutes, then close the pressure cooker lid. Cook on medium heat for an additional 5 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
- Once done, carefully release the pressure and open the lid. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then garnish with a drizzle of ghee and freshly chopped coriander.
- Serve hot with plain yogurt for a delightful meal!
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Notes
Calorie Estimates:
Please note that the calorie counts are estimates and may vary based on cooking methods, portion sizes, and specific ingredient brands. For the most accurate nutritional information, consider calculating based on your own measurements.We Want to Hear from You!
Have you tried our delicious Tomato Rice recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any tweaks or add your own special touch? Your feedback is invaluable to us, so please share your thoughts in the comments below. If you enjoyed this quick and savory dish, consider sharing it with your friends and family—let’s spread the joy of cooking together!