Tomato Rice Recipe – Lunch Box Special| Easy One Pot Meal
Tomato Rice is a flavorful and comforting South Indian dish that is ideal for busy mornings and lunchboxes. Made with a delicious tomato-based masala, this one-pot meal is not only quick to prepare but is also full of taste and aroma. It is a favorite among both kids and adults for its tangy flavor and vibrant color.
This tomato rice is an ideal choice for those seeking a simple, hassle-free meal that maintains great taste. Whether you are heading to work, school, or going on a short trip, Tomato Rice serves as a satisfying option that travels well and stays fresh. Pair it with some papad, raita, or a simple pickle to complete the meal. I usually serve this tomato rice with onion raita and homemade potato chips.
With its spicy, tangy flavor and aromatic spices, Tomato Rice is a quick and easy one-pot meal, perfect for lunch boxes and busy weekdays. If you are looking for an easy and fast solution to your lunch box dilemmas, Tomato Rice is your go-to option!
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Tomato Rice Recipe – Lunch Box Special | Easy One Pot Meal
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rice
- 1 tbsp Oil
- 2 tbsp Clarified Butter
- ½ tsp Mustard Seeds
- ½ tsp Cumin Seeds
- Few Curry Leaves
- 1 tbsp Bengal Gram
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 2 Green Cardamom
- 4-5 Pepper
- 4-5 Cloves
- 1 piece Cinnamon Stick
- 1 Star Anise
- 2 Dry Red Chili
- ½ tsp Coriander Seeds
- 6 -7 Cashew Nuts
- 1 Onion
- 2 Tomatoes Big finely chopped
- 1 Tomato Small cut in cubes
- 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- ¼ tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- ½ tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1-2 Green Chilies Slit
- Mint Leaves Handful
- Fresh Coriander Handful
- ¼ tsp Pulav Masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups Water Cooking the rice
Instructions
- Wash and soak one cup of rice in water for 20 minutes.
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil and 1 tbsp of clarified butter. Add ½ tsp of mustard seeds, once it crackes, add ½ tsp of cumin seeds, 1 tbsp of Bengal gram, a few curry leaves, whole spices – 1 bay leaf, two cardamon, 4 -5 pepper, 4-5 cloves, one cinnamon stick, 1 star Anise, ½ tsp of coriander seeds, 6-7 cashew nuts and saute.
- Add one chopped onion and fry until it turns golden.
- Add two finely chopped tomatoes, salt as per taste, two dry red chillies, 1-2 green chillies (slit), 1 tsp of ginger garlic paste, ¼ tsp of turmeric powder, ½ tsp of red chilli powder, 1 tsp of coriander powder, a handful of mint, and fresh coriander leaves.
- Keep stirring and fry on a low to medium flame until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
- Add soaked rice, some mint, and fresh coriander leaves, ¼ tsp of pulav masala, one tomato cut into cubes, 1 tbsp of clarified butter, and saute for a minute.
- Add 2 cups of water and give it a nice stir.
- Once it starts to boil, cover and cook until the rice is soft.
- Check rice is cooked by pressing it with a finger. Tip* – If the rice is still uncooked, add a little water and cook it for a minute or two.
- Serve hot with onion raita and chips.
How to Make Tomato Rice at Home Step-by-Step Photos
- Wash and soak one cup of rice in water for 20 minutes.
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil and 1 tbsp of clarified butter. Add ½ tsp of mustard seeds, once it crackes, add ½ tsp of cumin seeds, 1 tbsp of Bengal gram, a few curry leaves, whole spices – 1 bay leaf, two cardamon, 4 -5 pepper, 4-5 cloves, one cinnamon stick, 1 star Anise, ½ tsp of coriander seeds, 6-7 cashew nuts and saute.
- Add one chopped onion and fry until it turns golden.
- Add two finely chopped tomatoes, salt as per taste, two dry red chillies, 1-2 green chillies (slit), 1 tsp of ginger garlic paste, ¼ tsp of turmeric powder, ½ tsp of red chilli powder, 1 tsp of coriander powder, a handful of mint, and fresh coriander leaves.
- Keep stirring and fry on a low to medium flame until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
- Add soaked rice, some mint, and fresh coriander leaves, ¼ tsp of pulav masala, one tomato cut into cubes, 1 tbsp of clarified butter, and saute for a minute.
- Add 2 cups of water and give it a nice stir.
- Once it starts to boil, cover and cook until the rice is soft.
- Check rice is cooked by pressing it with a finger. Tip* – If the rice is still uncooked, add a little water and cook it for a minute or two.
- Serve hot with onion raita and chips.
FAQ
Can I use leftover rice to make tomato rice?
Yes, leftover rice is perfect for making tomato rice. It’s a delicious and flavorful way to give new life to cooked rice, making it an ideal dish for reducing food waste with a tasty twist.
Is tomato rice suitable for travel and office lunch boxes?
Yes, tomato rice is an excellent choice for lunch boxes and travel. It stays fresh for hours, doesn’t require reheating, and tastes great even at room temperature, making it a convenient and tasty on-the-go meal.
Is tomato rice a South Indian or North Indian dish?
Tomato rice is primarily a South Indian dish, also known as Thakkali Sadam in Tamil. It is a flavorful and easy-to-make one-pot rice dish that is popular in the southern part of India.
What side dish go well with tomato rice?
Tomato rice is a flavorful one-pot meal that can be enjoyed on its own. For a complete meal, pair it with raita – such as boondi or onion raita – and some crispy papad. These simple sides enhance the taste and add balance to the meal.
Conclusion
Tomato rice is a quick and easy meal that is both wholesome and flavorful for any occasion. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that maximizes taste. It is a must-have recipe for every home cook! Consider adding it to your weekly menu for a simple yet satisfying lunch or dinner. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends and family, and leave us a comment to help us improve!