What is Tomato Rice
Tomato Rice, known as “Thakkali Sadam” in Tamil, is a quintessential cultural staple enjoyed in the South of India. Thakkali Sadam specifically refers to Tomato Rice in Tamil Nadu, showcasing the region’s love for tangy, spiced rice dishes. LET’S BE FRIENDS ON PINTEREST! WE’RE ALWAYS PINNING TASTY RECIPES Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, it’s a go-to for busy days. Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, it’s a go-to for busy days.
How to make Tomato Rice Video Recipe
Why I love this Tomato Rice Recipe
I adore this Easy Indian Tomato Rice recipe for countless reasons! Here are a few that make it special:
Flavor Burst: Every bite is a harmonious blend of tangy tomatoes and aromatic spices, which makes my taste buds dance with joy. Versatility: Whether it’s a busy weekday dinner or a leisurely weekend feast, this dish fits beautifully into any meal plan. Plant-Powered: As a plant-forward eater, I cherish that this recipe is naturally vegan, making it a great source of nourishment and satisfaction. Cultural Connection: It holds a special place in my heart, connecting me to the vibrant culture and my love for South Indian cuisine. Memories: Every mouthful takes me back to joyful times shared with Tamil neighbors back home over good food and endless conversations.
This tomato rice isn’t just food; it’s comfort in a bowl, and I just know you’ll love it as much as I do!
Essential Ingredients for authentic Tomato Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
Tomato: The star of the show! Use red ripe tomatoes for the best taste and flavor. Rice: Long-grain Indian basmati rice is ideal, but feel free to use any medium or long-grain rice. I am using left over rice in this recipe. Onions and Chilies: Sliced onions, green and red chilies add dimension with their sharp, piquant flavors. Curry Leaves: No South Indian dish is complete without curry leaves, infusing an irreplaceable aroma. Lentils: Roasted urad and channa Dal add just the right amount of crunch needed for this recipe. Spices: Mustard seeds, turmeric, kashmiri red chilli powder (for color) Oil and salt Optional Ingredients to enhance the taste. Ginger-garlic Paste: A zesty addition that melds perfectly with other spices. Whole Spices: Bay leaf, cloves, and black peppercorns lay the foundational fragrance. Fennel Seeds: Adds a sweet, anise-like nuance. Garam Masala: A little goes a long way with this potent blend of ground spices. Additional Flavorings: Ghee, alongside spices like asafoetida, and cashews to enrich the dish’s profile.
Remember, this list is just the beginning. Every cook has their own twist, so feel free to adjust to taste!
Steps to make Delicious Tomato Rice using left over rice
Instant Pot Tomato Rice
If you don’t have any leftover rice to transform and would still like to enjoy this recipe here is how you can make this tomato rice in the Instant Pot from starch.
Begin by rinsing and soaking the basmati rice until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for about 20-30 minutes. Next add oil to the Instant Pot and allow it to heat using the saute function on normal heat. Once hot, add the curry leaves, urad dal, channa dal, green chilies, red chilies and mustard seeds. Roast for a couple minutes. Add any optional ingredients like fennel, whole spices, and cashews and roast along. Next add the onions and saute until the onins change color. Then add the spices, turmeric, kashmiri red chili powder salt and optional ingredients like garam masala and saute for 30 seconds. Throw in the chopped tomato and allow the ingredients to melt to form a chunky sauce. Cover with a glass lid for a couple minutes if required. Next add the soaked rice. For each cup of rice add 1.5 times the water. Scrape the bottom of the pot to make sure no food particles are stuck from the sauteing to avoid any burns. Cover the lid, seal the vent and pressure cook on normal heat for 6 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Once the pressure is released, allow the rice to rest for a couple minutes before forking it and serve it with raita, pickle or pappadums.
Cooking tips to make the perfect grainy Tomato Rice
Achieving that perfect grainy texture in your tomato rice is easier than you think! Here are some foolproof tips to ensure your rice turns out fluffy and separated every time:
Left over rice: If using left over rice that was refrigerated, sprinkle it with water and microwave it for 1 minute. Gently break ant lumps of rice if necessary. Choose the Right Rice: Long-grain basmati rice is best for a non-sticky texture. Its grains are fluffy and less likely to clump together. Rinse and Soak: If making rice from scratch, rinse your rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Then, let it soak for about 20-30 minutes; this helps the grains expand to their full length without breaking. Water Ratio Matters: Depending on your cooking method, adjust water. For an Instant Pot, use 1.5 cups of water for each cup of rice, while on the stovetop from scratch, 2 cups per cup of rice is the standard. Low and Slow is the Key: Once the rice is added to the tomato base, cook it on a low flame. A steady simmer allows the rice to cook evenly and maintain its structure. Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for about 5-10 minutes. This allows any remaining moisture to redistribute, preventing a mushy outcome.
Variations for Every Palate: Adjusting Spice Levels
Whether you love the heat or prefer to keep things milder, adjusting the spice levels in your tomato rice can cater to everyone’s taste: By playing with these variations, you can fine-tune the spice level of your tomato rice, making sure it’s a hit regardless of who’s at the dining table!
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments
The beauty of tomato rice lies in its versatility. Here are some scrumptious ideas to complement your vibrant meal: With these pairings, you’re transformed from home cook to a cuisine artist, orchestrating a symphony of flavors on the plate!
Tips to Garnish Tomato Rice
To elevate your tomato rice from simple to simply stunning, presentation is pivotal. Here are a few tips to plate like a pro: With these presentation tips, you’re not just serving a meal but crafting an experience that will keep everyone talking long after the last bite! Don’t let leftover rice go to waste! Give it a delicious makeover with our quick and easy Indian Tomato Rice recipe. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor. Let’s dive in and enjoy! Other Easy Rice Recipe to try
Ayurvedic Healing Kitchari Matar (Peas) Pulao Perfectly puffed Jeera Rice Vegetable Paneer Biryani Spinach Pulao Coconut Cilantro Rice Turmeric Rice Instant Pot Basmati Rice
Tomato Rice Recipe
Begin by rinsing and soaking the basmati rice until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for about 20-30 minutes.Next add oil to the Instant Pot and allow it to heat using the saute function on normal heat. Once hot, add the curry leaves, urad dal, channa dal, green chilies, red chilies and mustard seeds. Roast for a couple minutes. Add any optional ingredients like fennel, whole spices, and cashews and roast along.Next add the onions and saute until the onins change color. Then add the spices, turmeric, kashmiri red chili powder salt and optional ingredients like garam masala and saute for 30 seconds. Throw in the chopped tomato and allow the ingredients to melt to form a chunky sauce. Cover with a glass lid for a couple minutes if required.Next add the soaked rice. For each cup of rice add 1.5 times the water.Scrape the bottom of the pot to make sure no food particles are stuck from the sauteing to avoid any burns.Cover the lid, seal the vent and pressure cook on normal heat for 6 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.Once the pressure is released, allow the rice to rest for a couple minutes before forking it and serve it with raita, pickle or pappadums.
Left over rice: If using left over rice that was refrigerated, sprinkle it with water and microwave it for 1 minute. Gently break ant lumps of rice if necessary.Choose the Right Rice: Long-grain basmati rice is best for a non-sticky texture. Its grains are fluffy and less likely to clump together.Rinse and Soak: If making rice from scratch, rinse your rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Then, let it soak for about 20-30 minutes; this helps the grains expand to their full length without breaking.Water Ratio Matters: Depending on your cooking method, adjust water. For an Instant Pot, use 1.5 cups of water for each cup of rice, while on the stovetop from scratch, 2 cups per cup of rice is the standard.Low and Slow is the Key: Once the rice is added to the tomato base, cook it on a low flame. A steady simmer allows the rice to cook evenly and maintain its structure.Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for about 5-10 minutes. This allows any remaining moisture to redistribute, preventing a mushy outcome.
Rani Turmeric (Haldi) Root Powder Spice, Rani Kashmiri Chilli Powder Organic Chana Dal Split Split Urad Dal Black Mustard Seeds Whole Spice Sunflower Oil Royal White Basmati Rice, 20 Pound
