Tomato rice-Thakkali Sadam

Tomato rice-Thakkali Sadam

   Ingredients needed

   Basmati Rice - 1 cup
   Onion - 2 medium size
   Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tsp
   Ripe juicy tomatoes - 4 (medium size)
   Green chillies - 2 slit (small ones)

   Turmeric powder -1/4 tsp
   Chilli Powder - 3/4 tsp
   Garam masala powder -1/2 tsp (optional)

   Mint leaves - handful chopped finely
   Coriander leaves - 2 tbsp finely chopped
   Salt as needed

   For the seasoning

   Oil - 3 tbsp
   Bay leaf -1
   Cloves -2
   Cardamom -1
   Cinnamon - 1 inch piece

Preparation

Soak basmati rice for 20 minutes, drain the water completely and keep it aside.

Chop tomatoes and cut onions lengthwise.

Method

Heat oil in a pan; add bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon and cardamon. Fry for a few seconds and then add thinly sliced onions.

Saute till onions become slightly golden brown, add ginger garlic paste and saute for a few more minutes.

Then add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, chilli powder, green chillies, mint leaves, half of coriander leaves, salt (approximately 2 tsp and little more) needed and garam masala powder. Cook till tomatoes become mushy.

Add the drained rice, 2 cups of hot water,(check for salt now by tasting the water) and transfer it to a container and pressure cook for 3 whistles.When the pressure subsides, open it and fluff it with a fork. Garnish with the remaining coriander leaves.

If using rice cooker, transfer the contents to a rice cooker, switch on and cook till done.

Check out my earlier version of tomato rice  using tomato puree.