Spicy Tomato Rice (Thakkali Sadam): Quick & Easy South Indian Recipe
30 minutes
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About Spicy Tomato Rice (Thakkali Sadam): Quick & Easy South Indian Recipe
Discover the vibrant flavors of Thakkali Sadam, a beloved South Indian tomato rice recipe inspired by the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore. This simple yet incredibly flavorful dish is a quick and easy weeknight meal, perfect for lunchboxes or a light and satisfying dinner.Unlike many rice recipes, Thakkali Sadam focuses on the pure, bold taste of tomatoes, complemented by warming spices. It's a testament to how simple ingredients can create an unforgettable culinary experience.This kid-friendly recipe is easily customizable – feel free to add your favorite vegetables or garnishes for an extra burst of flavor and color. Get ready to enjoy a taste of South India in minutes!
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total30 minutes
Ingredients
Rice & Aromatics
- 1.5 cup Basmati Rice use freshly cooked, cooked, cooled rice for best results.
- 0.75 cup Onion chopped, finely
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds also known as jeera
- 0.25 tsp Mustard Seeds also known as rai
- 4 Chilies adjust to your spice preference, dry, red, small
- 0.25 tsp Asafoetida also known as hing
- 1 tsp Garlic minced
Spices & Seasoning
- 1 tsp Ginger Paste
- 0.75 tsp Chili Powder adjust to your spice preference, red
- 0.25 tsp Biryani Masala
- 0.75 tsp Salt adjust to taste
Tomato & Other Ingredients
- 1.25 cup Tomato Paste
- 4 tsp Tomato Ketchup Or Sauce
- 0.5 cup Peas optional, frozen or fresh, green
- Small Handful Curry Leaves optional, fresh
- Small Handful Coriander for garnish
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 2-3 Slices Of Tomato for garnish, fresh
Instructions
Get Started
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Tempering
- Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, dry red chilies, curry leaves (if using), and asafoetida. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sauté Onions and Aromatics
- Add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in ginger paste.
Spice it Up
- Add red chili powder and biryani masala. Sauté for another minute, stirring constantly.
Add Tomatoes and Peas
- Stir in the tomato paste and green peas (if using). Cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
Combine with Rice
- Add salt to taste. Gently mix in the cooked rice, ensuring everything is well combined.
Finishing Touches
- Stir in the tomato ketchup/sauce and fresh coriander leaves. Mix well.
Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh tomato slices. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Perfect Thakkali Sadam
- For a richer flavor, use homemade tomato paste.
- Adjust the amount of red chili powder to your spice preference. Start with less and add more to taste.
- If you don't have biryani masala, you can substitute it with a pinch of garam masala.
- For added texture and nutrition, consider adding other vegetables like finely chopped carrots or bell peppers.
Recipe Video
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 258kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 253mgPotassium: 442mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 805IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 106mgIron: 7mg
6 Comments
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This is exactly what I was looking for!
Such a flavorful dish! Can’t wait to taste it.
This is delightful! Thanks for the recipe.
Nice
Yummy
Lovely recipe