I am a big big fan of South Indian tomato rice (Thakkali sadam in Tamil). So I keep trying varieties of tomato rice recipes. Earlier I had posted my version ofthakkali sadam in which the spicy tomato paste is mixed with cooked rice. Then I shared my friend Shalini’s tomato rice recipe using electric rice cooker. Today I have shared about how to make tomato rice directly in a pressure cooker. I learnt this recipe from my Thangam Athai ( My dad’s sister). Its a very simple, quick and easy to make rice variety that is ideal for lunch box preparation. Bachelors and working women would love this recipe. This tomato rice recipe is prepared with very less whole garam masala ingredients and had a slight spicy taste.So it has become our family favorite.I loved it very much and had the same for my lunch & dinner as well. Simple onion raita and a papad or vadagam would be the best side dish for this tomato rice. Friends, Do try this yummy South Indian style Tomato rice recipe for your lunch box. I am sure you will love its taste. Now lets see how to make Thakkali sadam using a pressure cooker easily with step by step photos. I have updated this recipe with a full video,Please check it ! Check out my 1. Tomato biryani recipe
Green chilli - 1 no ( Long one, Finely chopped, use 3 slit chillies for spicy rice)
Turmeric powder – 1/8 tsp
Red chilli powder - 1 tsp ( add 1.5 tsp for spicy rice)
Cooking oil - 3 tbsp
Cinnamon - 2 inch piece
Cloves - 2 nos
Garlic cloves - 5 nos
Curry leaves - few
Coriander leaves - a fistful ( finely chopped)
Salt – as needed
Water – 2 cups
METHOD
Wash and chop the onion, tomato, green chilli, garlic cloves, curry leaves and coriander leaves very finely. Wash and soak the rice adding 2 cups of water for 30 minutes. ( If using basmati rice, add 1.75 cups of water)
Add finely chopped tomato pieces and the required salt for rice. Saute until tomato turns pulpy and mushy. Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder and mix well for few seconds. Lastly add the soaked rice along with water. Mix well and check for taste.Add more salt & red chilli powder based on it.Pressure cook in very low flame for one whistle. It takes 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the lid after the steam is released.
Mix the cooked rice with a fork. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves, mix well and serve hot with raita & papad.
Enjoy !
Note
Add more chilli powder if you want spicy tomato rice.
Adding coriander leaves gives a nice flavor to this rice. So do not skip it
You can also add mint leaves along with curry leaves if you like the flavor of mint leaves.
I have used steamed rice/ puzhungal arisi. You can use basmati rice or raw rice. But soak the rice in water for minimum 30 minutes to get fluffy, soft and grainy rice.
Enjoy this delicious South Indian style tomato rice recipe and have a quick lunch !