Tomato Rice is a popular South Indian one-pot meal made with tomatoes, rice, and aromatic spices. It’s quick to make, lunchbox-friendly, and delicious on its own or with a side of curd or papad.
Learn how to make Tomato Rice, perfect for lunchboxes or quick meals.
Ingredients
- Cooked rice – 2 cups (or 1 cup raw rice)
- Tomatoes – 3 medium, finely chopped or pureed
- Onion – 1, sliced
- Green chillies – 2, slit
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
- Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
- Coriander powder – 1 tsp
- Garam masala – ½ tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves – chopped (for garnish)
- Oil – 1½ tbsp
- Cinnamon – 1 small stick
- Cloves – 2
- Green cardamom – 1
- Bay leaf – 1
- Curry leaves – few
- Hing (asafoetida) – a pinch
Preparation Steps
Prepare the Rice
- Rinse and soak 1 cup raw rice for 20–30 minutes (optional).
- Drain and set aside. Or use 2 cups cooled, cooked rice.
Prepare the Masala
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker.
- Add cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, bay leaf, curry leaves, and hing.
- Saute for a few seconds until aromatic.
- Add onions and green chillies; saute until onions turn soft.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook till the raw smell disappears.
Cook Tomatoes
- Add chopped/pureed tomatoes.
- Add turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt.
- Cook until tomatoes break down, become soft, and oil begins to release.
Combine Rice and Masala
- For cooked rice:
Add rice and gently mix. Simmer for 5 minutes covered. - For raw rice:
Add soaked rice to masala, saute 1 minute, then add 1.5–2 cups water.- Pressure cooker: Cook for 1–2 whistles.
- Pot: Cover and simmer until rice is cooked.
Final Touch
- Rest for 5–10 minutes.
- Fluff gently and garnish with coriander leaves.
Tips
- Use ripe tomatoes for flavor and natural tang.
- Ensure the tomato masala is well-cooked before adding rice.
- Use cooled rice if adding to cooked masala to avoid mushiness.
- Add a pinch of sugar if tomatoes are too sour.
- Skip garam masala for a simpler taste, or add for a richer aroma.
Health Benefits
- Rich in lycopene – a strong antioxidant
- Boosts immunity with vitamin C
- Supports digestion with spices and herbs
- Low in fat when made with less oil
- Provides quick energy from rice
- Vegan and plant-based
- Helps maintain hydration
- Heart-friendly if cooked with healthy oils