Craving a simple yet delicious rice dish? If you’re wondering how to cook tomato rice in cooker, you’re in luck! This flavorful one-pot meal is packed with the tangy taste of tomatoes, aromatic spices, and the comfort of rice. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this method will help you prepare a hearty dish with minimal effort.
Using a rice cooker makes this process easy, ensuring perfectly cooked grains infused with spices and tomatoes. In this guide, we will explore not just the step-by-step process but also tips to enhance flavors, serving suggestions, and even variations to try!
What Makes Tomato Rice So Special?
Tomato rice is a beloved dish in South Indian cuisine, appreciated for its tangy and mildly spicy flavors. It is often enjoyed with raita, papad, or a simple side of yogurt. Unlike plain rice, tomato rice is infused with a rich tomato-based masala, making it a stand-alone meal you can relish at any time of the day.
Ingredients Needed for Tomato Rice
- 1 cup basmati rice (or any preferred rice)
- 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Tomato Rice in Cooker
1. Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, its crucial to have all ingredients ready. Use a cutting board and a knife to finely chop the tomatoes, onions, ginger, and garlic. Since the tomatoes play a starring role in this dish, choose ripe, juicy ones for maximum flavor.
2. Sauting the Spices
Turn on your rice cooker and set it to ‘cook’ mode. Add oil or ghee, and once it’s hot, toss in mustard and cumin seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds before adding sliced onions. Saut until they turn golden brown, then mix in garlic, ginger, and green chilies. The aroma will start filling your kitchen within seconds.
3. Adding Tomatoes & Spices
Now, add the finely chopped tomatoes. Stir them well so they begin to soften. Once they start breaking down, sprinkle turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. Continue stirring until the tomatoes turn into a thick, flavorful masala.
4. Cooking the Rice
Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under running water to remove excess starch. Add the washed rice to the tomato masala in the rice cooker. Pour in the water and season with salt. Give everything a good mix. Close the lid and let it cook in normal mode. Within 15-20 minutes, your aromatic tomato rice will be ready.
For an alternative rice dish, you can also check out Claypot Chicken Rice.
Serving Suggestions
Tomato Rice pairs beautifully with simple sides like cucumber raita, fried papad, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with pickles or a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess. To make it a complete South Indian meal, enjoy it with sambar or coconut chutney.
Variations to Try
Want to add a twist to your tomato rice? Here are some variations to explore:
- Add cooked peas or carrots for more nutrition.
- For a protein boost, toss in some fried paneer or tofu.
- Make it extra spicy by adding black pepper and extra chilies.
Interested in more rice cooker recipes? Try making Beets in a Rice Cooker.
How to Store Leftover Tomato Rice
If you have leftover tomato rice, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When reheating, sprinkle some water over it before microwaving to retain moisture.
Tips for Cleaning Your Cookware
After cooking, use a cookware cleaner to remove any stains or oil residue. Also, if youre using a wooden cutting board, maintain it by applying cutting board oil to keep it in good condition.
Looking for more rice dishes? Check out this Rice Cooker Fried Rice recipe for more cooking inspiration.
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