Tomato Rice is a popular South Indian delicacy made with fragrant rice, fresh chopped tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. Loved by people of all age groups, this flavorful dish is believed to have originated in Tamil Nadu. Known for its tangy taste, delightful aroma, and mildly spicy flavor, Tomato Rice is a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying main course or dinner.
Although the dish may appear complex at first, it is surprisingly easy to prepare and requires minimal time and effort. With simple ingredients and a few cooking steps, you can make this delicious rice recipe at home. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step recipe for preparing tasty Tomato Rice. Scroll down to discover the complete recipe.
Tomato Rice is a flavorful and comforting South Indian rice dish prepared with fresh tomatoes, aromatic spices, herbs, and cooked rice. It is known for its tangy, slightly spicy taste and beautiful red color. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a quick lunchbox recipe. Traditionally popular in Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India, Tomato Rice is enjoyed with raita, papad, pickle, or a simple side dish.
Ingredients for Tomato Rice
For Cooking Rice:1½ cups basmati rice or regular rice
3 cups water
1 teaspoon oil or ghee
½ teaspoon salt
For Tomato Masala:3–4 medium-sized ripe tomatoes (finely chopped)
2 medium onions (thinly sliced)
2–3 green chillies (slit)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
8–10 curry leaves
2 tablespoons coriander leaves (finely chopped)
2 tablespoons mint leaves (optional)
Whole Spices:1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 small cinnamon stick
2–3 cloves
2 cardamom pods
1 bay leaf
Spice Powders:½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chilli powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
½ teaspoon garam masala powder
Salt as per taste
Other Ingredients:3 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Fried cashews for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Method to Prepare Tomato Rice
Step 1: Cook the RiceWash the rice thoroughly under running water until the water turns clear.
Soak the rice for about 15–20 minutes.
Cook the rice with water, salt, and a teaspoon of oil until it becomes soft but not mushy.
Spread the cooked rice on a plate and allow it to cool completely. This helps keep the grains separate.
Step 2: Prepare Tomato MasalaHeat oil in a pan or kadai over medium flame.
Add mustard seeds and allow them to crackle.
Add cumin seeds, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and bay leaf. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
Add curry leaves and green chillies.
Add sliced onions and cook until they become soft and golden.
Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and release their juices.
Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt.
Cook the mixture until the oil starts separating from the tomato masala. This indicates that the masala is perfectly cooked.
Step 3: Combine Rice and Tomato MasalaAdd the cooked rice to the prepared tomato masala.
Mix gently using a spatula to avoid breaking the rice grains.
Cover the pan and cook on low flame for 5–7 minutes so that the flavors blend well.
Add lemon juice and fresh coriander leaves.
Mix gently and turn off the flame.