Authentic South Indian Tomato Rice Recipe
30 minutes
742 reads

About Authentic South Indian Tomato Rice Recipe
Experience the vibrant flavors of South India with this authentic Tomato Rice recipe. This comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying brunch, showcasing the region's unique blend of spices and fresh ingredients.The key to its incredible taste lies in a homemade spice blend, expertly combining black lentils, chana dal, and aromatic spices. Every grain of rice is infused with the tangy deliciousness of fresh tomatoes, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience.Easy to follow and packed with authentic South Indian charm, this recipe is a must-try for both experienced cooks and those new to Indian cuisine. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor in each bite!
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Spice Blend (Masala)
- 1 tsp Lentils black, powdered, urad dal
- 1 tbsp Chickpea split, split chickpeas
- 1/4 tsp Fenugreek Seeds methi dana
- 2 tsp Coriander Seeds
- 1 tsp Chili Powder adjust to taste, red
- 2 tbsp Coconut desiccated, dried, grated
- 1/2 tsp Asafoetida hing
For the Rice
- 2 cup Basmati Rice cooked according to package directions
For the Tomato Masala
- 1 tbsp Refined Oil
- 1/2 cup Onion finely chopped
- 3/4 cup Tomatoes fresh, pureed
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- Salt Salt to taste
For Tempering
- 1 tbsp Refined Oil
- 2 tsp Clarified Butter ghee
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds rai
- 3 tbsp Peanuts raw
- 6 leaves Curry Leaves
- 1-2 Chillies green, slit, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Spice Blend
- Dry roast black lentils, chana dal, fenugreek seeds, and coriander seeds in a pan until fragrant. Add red chili powder, desiccated coconut, and asafoetida. Roast for another minute, stirring constantly. Let cool completely, then grind to a fine powder using a blender or spice grinder.
Make the Tomato Masala
- Heat oil in a pan or kadai, add chopped onions, and sauté until golden brown. Add tomato puree, turmeric powder, and salt. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine and Temper
- Stir in the prepared spice blend and cook for another minute. Set aside.
- Heat oil and ghee in a separate pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add peanuts and curry leaves; sauté until peanuts are lightly browned. Add green chilies, and sauté briefly. Add the tomato masala and mix well.
Finish the Dish
- Add the cooked rice to the tomato masala mixture. Gently mix everything together. Add salt to taste and cook for 2 minutes, ensuring the rice is heated through. Serve hot.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for Perfect South Indian Tomato Rice
- For a richer flavor, use freshly ground spices instead of pre-ground ones.
- Adjust the amount of red chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or curry leaves for an extra pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Video
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 490kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 9gFat: 24gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14.4gFiber: 4gSugar: 4g
4 Comments
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This is so tempting! Thank you.
Looks so yummy! Excited to make it.
This looks so good! Appreciate the share.
I’m loving this recipe already!