Tomato Rice, or Thakkali Sadam in Tamil, is a beloved South Indian dish that combines the tangy flavors of tomatoes with the aromatic spices of Indian cuisine. It is a popular and comforting meal often prepared in households and is especially favored as a quick lunchbox recipe. This versatile dish can be made with freshly cooked rice or even leftover rice, making it a practical and delicious solution for busy days.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—it requires basic pantry ingredients yet delivers an explosion of flavor. From children to adults, everyone loves its tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet taste. It’s also a great way to introduce someone to the authentic flavors of South Indian cuisine. Paired with a side of papad, curd, or any raita, this tomato rice becomes a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Tips for Making Perfect Tomato Rice
1.Use Ripe Tomatoes: Choose juicy, fully ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and natural tanginess.
2.Cook Rice Perfectly: Ensure the rice is cooked but not mushy. Each grain should be separate for the best texture.
3.Spice Levels: Adjust the quantity of green chilies and red chili powder based on your spice preference.
4.Add Cashews or Peanuts: For added crunch and flavor, you can sauté cashews or peanuts in ghee and mix them into the rice.
5.Enhance Flavor with Ghee: A dollop of ghee mixed into the rice enhances its aroma and taste.
6.Leftover Rice: This recipe works perfectly with leftover rice. Just reheat and fluff the rice before mixing.
7.Tempering: A good tempering with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida brings out the authentic South Indian flavour .
Tomato Rice is a timeless South Indian classic that is as nutritious as it is flavorful. Its tangy, spicy taste and ease of preparation make it a go-to meal for busy weekdays, lunchboxes, or even festive occasions. Whether served with papad, curd, or a simple raita, this dish guarantees satisfaction in every bite.
Try this simple yet delicious recipe today and enjoy the wholesome goodness of Thakkali Sadam. With its vibrant flavor and minimal effort, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
Cooked rice -1 1/2 cups
Tomato -6-8 nos chopped
Onion -2 nos chopped
Garlic -6 nos chopped
Green chillies -2 nos chopped
Red chilli powder -1 Tsp
Turmeric powder -1/2 Tsp
Mustard seeds -1/2 Tsp
Urad dal -1 Tsp
Bengal gram dal -1 Tsp
Cumin seeds -1 Tsp
Curry leaves few
Coriander leaves few chopped
Salt to taste
Oil-3 Tsps
Recipe video
Method
👉Heat oil in a kadai add mustard seeds ,urad dal, Bengal gram dal, curry leaves, cumin seeds and sauté well. Add garlic, green chilies, onions and sauté until the onions are transparent.
👉Now add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
👉Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder and required salt mix well and sauté for few minutes in medium flame. Add half a cup of water mix well and cook covered for 5 to 7 minutes until the raw smell goes and the mixture thickens.
👉Now add cooked rice , mix gently and cook well for another 2 to 4 minutes in medium flame until all the moisture is completely absorbed.
👉Garnish with coriander leaves and switch off the gas.Serve hot with onion raita and chips.