Recipe- South Indian Style Tomato Rice

A South Indian tomato rice recipe called Thakkali sadam is a side dish made with tomatoes and (leftover) rice. Do try this vegan fried rice recipe today!Thakkali means tomato and sadam means rice in Tamil. I am delighted to be sharing this family favorite recipe with you today. I have had this as a child and relished it every time my dad made it.This is a South Indian-style tomato rice recipe that's packed with flavors. Tomatoes give this rice a tangy flavor that makes it unique and delicious.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegan ghee or any vegetable oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
1/4 tsp asafoetida
1 tbsp chana dal
1 tbsp urad dal
2 tbsp cashews
4-5 green chillies
1 tbsp ginger paste
4-5 curry leaves
1/3 cup cilantro
1 onion
3 tomatoes
1/4 cup green peas
Salt
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp paprika or chily powder
2.5 cups cooked rice

Method

* You need to cook the rice ahead of time and cool it down completely. Leftover rice can also be used in this tomato rice recipe.

* Heat oil or vegan ghee in a pan and temper mustard seeds. Once they crackle, add asafoetida, chana dal, urad dal and cashews. Fry till the lentils and cashews turn light golden.

* Then add the minced green chillies, grated ginger, and curry leaves.

* Also add half the cilantro and chopped onions. Saute till the onions turn translucent.

* Now add the tomatoes, green peas and salt. Mix and continue to cook till the tomatoes turn soft and pulpy.

* Then add turmeric powder, paprika, and salt. Saute for 30 seconds.

* Then add the cooked rice. Mix it all together and cook for a minute or two. Adjust salt as needed.

* Lastly garnish it with the remaining cilantro. Mix and take it off the flame. Do not over mix and break the grains.

* Serve with papad, Indian pickle or raita.