Quick and Easy Instant Tomato Rice Recipe

Introduction: 

When you're short on time but craving something delicious and satisfying, instant tomato rice comes to the rescue. Bursting with the tangy goodness of tomatoes and aromatic spices, this quick recipe is a lifesaver for busy days. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a flavorful meal that's sure to please your taste buds. Let's dive into this simple and delicious recipe!

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Ingredients:

1 cup Basmati rice, washed and soaked for 15 minutes

2 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped

1 onion, thinly sliced

2 green chilies, slit lengthwise

1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons cooking oil

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Water, as needed

Instructions:

Cook Rice: 

In a pot, bring water to a boil and add the soaked rice along with a pinch of salt. Cook the rice until it's 90% done. Drain excess water and set aside.

Prepare Tempering: 

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add cumin seeds and sauté until fragrant.

Sauté Aromatics: 

Add sliced onions and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.

Add Tomatoes: 

Add chopped tomatoes to the pan along with ginger-garlic paste. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy, stirring occasionally.

Spice it Up: 

Once the tomatoes are cooked, add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for another minute to allow the spices to blend with the tomatoes.

Mix in Rice: 

Add the partially cooked rice to the pan and gently mix it with the tomato mixture until well combined. Be careful not to break the rice grains.

Simmer: 

Cover the pan with a lid and let the tomato rice simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the rice to cook completely.

Garnish and Serve: 

Once the rice is cooked through, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Serve hot as is or with a side of yogurt or raita for a complete meal.

Tips:

For added flavor, you can add a pinch of garam masala or curry powder along with the other spices.

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers.

You can also add a handful of roasted peanuts or cashews for crunchiness.

Conclusion: 

With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, instant tomato rice is a delightful meal that's ready in a flash. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe proves that you don't need hours in the kitchen to enjoy a delicious homemade meal. Give it a try and savor the irresistible flavors of this quick and easy dish!