Traditional South Indian Tomato Rice
Main Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.
Temper Spices
Heat 4 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan. Once hot, add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, 2-3 dried red chillies, and 1 sprig of curry leaves. Let them splutter.
Sauté Onions
Add 1 large finely chopped onion to the pan. until the onions turn light golden brown, which helps in achieving a good color for the gravy.
Add Ginger, Garlic, and Green Chillies
Add 4 cloves of garlic and a 1-inch piece of ginger. until the raw smell of ginger and garlic disappears. Then, add 2-3 slit green chillies and continue to for a minute.
Cook Tomatoes
Add 2 medium finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook and mash the tomatoes until they break down completely and form a thick, pulpy paste.
Add Spice Powders
Once the tomatoes are mashed, add 2 teaspoons of chilli powder, 0.5 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1.5 teaspoons of coriander powder, 1 teaspoon of black pepper powder, and salt to taste. Mix all the spices well with the tomato mixture.
Form the Gravy
Add a small amount of water to the mixture to prevent the spices from burning and to help form a thick gravy. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the oil starts to separate from the sides of the pan.
Add Coriander Leaves and Rice
Turn off the heat. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh coriander leaves to the gravy and mix well. Then, add 1 cup of cooked rice to the pan.
Mix and Serve
Gently mix the rice thoroughly with the tomato gravy until it is well combined and evenly coated. Ensure the rice is heated through. Serve hot or allow it to cool and enjoy as a lunchbox special.
Before You Cook
Helpful details before you startIngredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.View 4 swaps
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Curry leaves?
- 1 bay leaf + a pinch of lemon zest — Aroma only — flavor is unique.
No Cilantro?
- Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
- Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)
Variations
Simple ways to adapt this recipe.
- Tomato Pulao (uses whole spices like cinnamon
Cardamom, bay leaf and different cooking method).
Helpful Tips
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