Best Easy Tomato Rice Recipe

Simple yet aromatic, Tomato Rice is a traditional Indian rice preparation with authentic spicing. This vegetarian dish is a family kitchen staple that adds variety and flavor to everyday meals.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 280 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • long grain white rice 1.5 cups
  • fresh ripe tomatoes 3 cups
  • yellow onion 1 pieces
  • green chili 1 pieces
  • fresh ginger 1 tbsp
  • vegetable oil 3 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • cumin seeds 1 tsp
  • mustard seeds 0.5 tsp
  • turmeric powder 0.5 tsp
  • ground coriander 1 tsp
  • chili powder 0.5 tsp
  • bay leaf 1 pieces
  • salt 1.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 52 g 74%
Protein 6 g 8%
Fat 5 g 18%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Rinse the rice in several changes of cold water until the water runs clear; soak for at least 15 minutes and then drain thoroughly.

  2. 2

    Heat the vegetable oil in a wide-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and a bay leaf. When the seeds start to sizzle and pop, add chopped onion and sauté until lightly golden.

  3. 3

    Stir in the fresh ginger and green chili. Cook for 1 minute for fragrant aroma, then add chopped tomatoes. Raise the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring, until tomatoes cook down and lose raw smell (about 5 minutes).

  4. 4

    Sprinkle in turmeric powder, ground coriander, chili powder, and salt. Mix well and let the tomato mixture thicken for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.

  5. 5

    Add the drained rice and stir gently for even coating. Pour in 2.5 cups hot water. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to a very low simmer. Cover the pot tightly and cook for 15–18 minutes, until the rice is tender and water absorbed.

  6. 6

    Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes before gently fluffing with a fork. Serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient in this Tomato Rice recipe is fresh ripe tomatoes—they define the dish’s signature tangy and aromatic flavor, pairing with the rice and classic Indian spices to create its authentic taste.
Q. What is the most important cooking point for making perfect Tomato Rice?
Perfect heat control, especially after adding water and rice, is crucial. Once you add the rice and hot water, bring the mixture to a boil and then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover tightly—this prevents burning at the bottom while ensuring the grains cook evenly and stay fluffy.
Q. How can I avoid mushy or undercooked rice in Tomato Rice?
To prevent mushy rice, use the right water-to-rice ratio and soak the rice beforehand, as directed. Fluffing gently with a fork after resting off-heat guarantees separation of grains, while not uncovering during cooking preserves steam for even results and prevents undercooking.
Q. How many calories and carbs are in a serving of Tomato Rice?
Each serving of Best Easy Tomato Rice Recipe provides about 280 kcal and 52g carbohydrates, making up roughly 74% of the total calories. This highlights rice and tomato as the primary energy source in this satisfying vegetarian dish.
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