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Tomato Rice is a tasty, tangy and spicy rice meal made using tomato, spices and mixing it with cooked rice. Tomato rice is served with raita, papad and makes a good choice for travel & lunch box. This can be made under 30 mins and one of the quickest rice dish that you can make!

Tomato Rice Recipe is a quick and simple recipe that could be prepared in minutes and delicious too! Tomato Rice makes cooking for the day effortless & gets you more me time. It is one of the popular travel food and lunchbox recipes. Pair it up with raita or any veggie of your choice or even just plain curd it tastes great.

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About Tomato Rice

Thakkali Sadam, also known as Tomato Rice, is a popular dish in Tamil Nadu and other regions of India. The name “Thakkali” is derived from tomato, while “Sadam” refers to cooked rice. This dish is a staple in many households in Tamil Nadu.

This variety of rice, called Tomato Rice, is a versatile dish that is ideal for traveling, as well as for lunch and packing in a lunch box. It is a popular option for Baby shower celebrations and is also commonly served as part of mini meals at hotels. In Tamil Nadu, it is commonly sold as a street food during lunchtime, alongside other types of mixed rice dishes.

Tomato Rice is a successful blend of tomato & rice. Tomato – a fruit botanically but sacrifices itself as a vegetable at our kitchen. Rice – a seed of grass botanically but domesticated as a cereal grain. Tomato blend with rice is a delight to foodies and a comfort food to the cook.

Instant pot, one pot dish, pressure cooker, or rice cooker can all be used to prepare tomato rice. This dish, also referred to as Thakkali Sadam, is a convenient and speedy option for busy days.

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Tomato Rice Recipe | Thakkali Sadam Recipe

Research has shown that consuming tomatoes can lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C, an important nutrient that acts as an antioxidant and helps to combat various illnesses. Tomatoes are also beneficial for skin health. Enjoy the benefits of tomatoes with Tomato rice! However, individuals with kidney problems should avoid consuming tomatoes in any form.

On busy days, my go-to meal is Tomato Rice. In the morning, I cook rice while preparing lunch boxes for my children, and then blend it with a tomato mixture to create a hot and delicious lunch. Sometimes, I also make Tomato Rice for dinner when packing tiffin boxes for my kids, and adjust the amount of rice accordingly.

Green and underripe tomatoes are commonly picked before fully matured and artificially ripened using ethylene gas, resulting in less flavorful and dull-tasting tomatoes. These artificially ripened tomatoes may have a slight green or yellowish tint at the top.

Ingredients

Tomatoes are the key element used in this recipe. Opt for ripe and flavorful tomatoes when making tomato rice, as using bland ones may result in a basic masala rice. Select fresh tomatoes that are evenly red or orange, and have a firm yet soft texture.
For regular home cooking, you can use any type of short grain rice such as raw rice, boiled rice, or sonamasoori. Basmati rice can also be used to make tomato rice. Cook the rice separately to avoid it breaking when mixed.
Choose small onions instead of large ones for tomato rice to enhance its flavor. If small onions are not available, you can use large ones as an alternative.
For the desired level of spiciness and color, I incorporated turmeric powder and green chillies. I also added jeera, cinnamon, and cloves for additional flavor. Avoid adding any other spice powders as this may alter the taste and diminish the tomato flavor.
I prefer to use gingelly oil when making tomato rice because it adds a lot of flavor. However, you can also use the usual oil that we have at home, such as refined or groundnut oil.

“Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tomato Rice”

Add two tablespoons of gingelly oil to a pan and heat it. Then add one inch of cinnamon and two cloves, followed by half a teaspoon of cumin seeds. Allow the mixture to sizzle.

Add a small handful of curry leaves, 5 cloves of garlic, and 2 green chilies, sliced lengthwise. Sauté for a short time.

Mix in 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric powder and some small onions, along with a pinch of salt.

4.Saute for 2 mins.

Next, include coarsely chopped tomatoes.

Cook until slightly soft.

Cover and cook for 3 minutes, or until the tomatoes are fully cooked and soft.

Begin cooking on low heat and continue to cook.

Continue cooking until it thickens.

Cook until the oil separates and there is no visible moisture. The consistency of the mixture should not be saucy, but more like a thokku. Allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes.

Next, include cooked rice.

Carefully combine without causing damage to the rice grains.

Thoroughly mix until fully combined. The tomato rice is now prepared.

The delectable tomato rice is now prepared for serving!

Expert Notes

I have utilized regular white rice, but basmati rice is also suitable.
You have the option to blend the tomatoes into a rough texture and continue with the rest of the process. However, using pureed tomatoes will alter the flavor and taste.
I did not chop the small onions, I used them whole since they were small. If you have slightly larger ones, you can cut them in half.
Ensure that the tomato mixture or sauce is thoroughly cooked and does not contain any moisture. It should have a thicker consistency similar to a thokku. If the tomato mix is too watery or saucy, it may cause the rice to become mushy when mixed.
It is important to let cooked rice cool down before mixing in any additional ingredients.
Leftover plain cooked rice can be made to Tomato rice for kids after they return from school or for the next day lunch or for making varieties of rice for a good spread of lunch.
It is recommended to refrain from using canned tomatoes or sauces as a replacement for fresh tomatoes, as it could significantly alter the flavor.
Advice for cooking with tomatoes: Due to their acidity, tomatoes can react with iron, resulting in a bitter and metallic flavor in the rice. Instead, it is recommended to use stainless steel or ceramic pans.
Instead of cooking the rice separately and blending it, cook it together with tomato in a pan to create a dish called “Tomato Bath.”
To increase the satiety of the dish, you may include cooked vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, beans, etc.
Include fried cashews cooked in ghee to enhance the flavor and make it extra delicious.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

You can enjoy tomato rice on its own or with accompaniments like papad, curry, curd, pickle, or raita. It’s a convenient and delicious option for travel, packed lunches, or a speedy lunch at home.

Refrigerate and reheat the tomato rice before serving if you plan to use it the next day, as it will stay fresh for one day.

FAQS

What does Tomato rice refer to?

To create Tomato Rice, start by preparing a rich sauce made with tomatoes, herbs, and spices. Then, combine the sauce with cooked rice.

What type of rice is best for making Tomato Rice?

For everyday cooking, you can choose between raw, boiled, or sona masoori rice. Alternatively, you may opt for basmati rice.

What is causing the bitterness in my Tomato rice?

Cooking tomatoes for too long with burnt spices can result in bitter-tasting tomato rice. To prevent this, it is recommended to cook the dish on low heat and avoid burning the spices and tomatoes.

Is it possible for me to make the sauce or tomato mix the night before and then use it the next day?

It is extremely helpful as it saves a significant amount of time in the morning when we prepare our lunch boxes. The mixture can be stored in the refrigerator and remains fresh for up to 2 days.

What is the method for preparing rice for tomato rice?

My preferred method for cooking rice is to use the draining technique. If you prefer using a cooker, then for every 1 cup of rice, use 3 cups of water and cook on low-medium heat for 3 whistles.

If you have further inquiries about this Tomato Rice Recipe, please email me at [email protected] Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Youtube, and Twitter.

Have you tried making this Tomato Rice Recipe? Please share your thoughts on how it turned out. Don’t forget to mention us on Instagram @sharmispassions and use the hashtag #sharmispassions.

📖 Recipe Card

Tomato Rice Recipe | Thakkali Sadam

Tantalizing Tomato Rice is a flavorful dish created by combining tomatoes, spices, and cooked rice. It is often accompanied by raita and papad, making it a convenient option for on-the-go meals and lunch boxes. This speedy recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest rice dishes available.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Servings2 people

AuthorSharmilee J

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
3 medium sized tomatoes
salt to taste as required
12-15 nos small onions
5 pearls garlic halved
1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder

To Temper:

2 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon jeera
1 inch cinnamon piece
2 nos cloves
2 nos green chilli slitted
few curry leaves

Instructions

Prepare your ingredients.
Add 2 tablespoons of gingelly oil to a hot pan. Then add 1 inch of cinnamon and 2 pieces of cloves. After that, add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
Saute a few curry leaves, 5 cloves of garlic, and 2 slit green chillies.
Include diced shallots, salt, and a dash of turmeric powder. Cook for two minutes.
Next, include roughly diced tomatoes. Cook until they become slightly soft.
Simmer for 3 minutes, or until the tomatoes are fully cooked and soft.
Cook on low heat and continue cooking until it thickens.
Simmer until the oil separates and there is no visible moisture. The consistency of the mixture should not be saucy, but more like a thokku. Allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes.
Next, incorporate the cooked rice and gently combine it without causing it to break apart.
Stir thoroughly until fully incorporated. The tomato rice is now prepared.

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Notes

I have utilized standard white rice, but you could also substitute with basmati rice.
You have the option to grind the tomatoes into a coarse paste and continue with the rest of the instructions, although using pureed tomatoes will result in a different flavor and taste.
I did not chop the small onion, I used it whole since they were small. If you have slightly larger onions, just cut them in half.
Ensure that the tomato mixture or sauce is thoroughly cooked and free of any moisture. It should have a consistency similar to thokku. If the tomato mixture is too saucy or watery, it could result in the rice becoming overly soft when combined.
Make sure to let cooked rice cool down before adding it.
Cooked rice that is not finished can be transformed into tasty tomato rice for children when they come home from school, or for their lunch the next day. It can also be used to make different types of rice dishes for a satisfying lunch.
Do not use canned tomatoes or sauces as a replacement for fresh tomatoes, as it can significantly alter the flavor.
Tip for cooking tomato: Since tomatoes are acidic, they are reactive to iron making the rice bitter & metallic. Stainless steel or ceramic pans can be used.
Preparing a Tomato Bath by cooking rice and tomato together in a pan instead of cooking them separately and blending them.
To increase the fillingness, you can include cooked vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, and beans.
Include some ghee-fried cashews to enhance the dish and give it an extra burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe for Tomato Rice | Thakkali Sadam

Serving Size: 125 g

Calories 380
Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Trans Fat 0.1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 4g

Monounsaturated Fat 9g

Sodium 57mg2%

Potassium 536mg15%

Carbohydrates 55g18%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 7g14%

Vitamin A 1925IU39%

Vitamin C 227mg275%

Calcium 98mg10%

Iron 1mg6%

The percentage of daily values is calculated using a 2000 calorie diet.

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