South Indian-Style Tomato Rice

South Indian-Style Tomato Rice


Serves:

4 people

Total Cooking Time:

30 minutes (including soaking time)

Ingredients:
Lalbaba Basmati Rice (washed and soaked for 20 minutes) 1 cup
Large tomatoes, finely chopped  2
Medium onion, finely sliced  1
Green chili, slit  1
Ginger-garlic paste 1 tsp
Turmeric powder ½ tsp
Red chili powder(adjust to taste)  1 tsp
Coriander powder 1 tsp
Garam masala  ½ tsp
Mustard seeds 1 tsp
Cumin seeds  1 tsp
Curry leaves 8-10
Oil or ghee 2 tbsp
Water 1½ cups
Salt to taste   
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish    
 (Optional, for crunch)   8-10 cashews

 

 
Step 1: Cook the Rice 
1. Boil 1½ cups of water in a pan.  
2. Add the soaked Lalbaba Basmati Rice and cook until 90% done. Drain excess water and keep aside.  

Step 2: Prepare the Masala  
1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and let them splutter.  
2. Add curry leaves, green chili, and cashews (if using). Sauté for a few seconds.  
3. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.  
4. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until raw smell disappears.  
5. Stir in chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder,red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes turn soft and mushy.  
6. Add garam masala*and mix well.  

Step 3: Combine Rice & Masala  
1. Add the cooked rice to the tomato masala and gently mix until well combined.  
2. Cover and let it cook on low flame for 5 minutes, so the flavors blend in.  

Step 4: Garnish & Serve 
1. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.  
2. Serve hot with raita, papad, or pickle.