If you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe that is bursting with flavor, then tomato rice is the way to go. This simple yet delicious dish is a perfect choice for those busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. By using a pressure cooker, you can cut down the cooking time and still achieve the same delicious results. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why choose tomato rice?
Tomato rice is a classic dish that is loved by people of all ages. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and spices. The combination of tangy tomatoes, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice creates a mouthwatering dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Plus, the vibrant red color of the tomatoes adds an appetizing visual appeal to the dish.
The magic of pressure cooker
Making tomato rice in a pressure cooker not only saves time but also enhances the flavors of the dish. The high pressure and heat in the cooker help the rice absorb the flavors of the tomatoes and spices, resulting in a perfectly cooked and flavorful rice. The pressure cooker also ensures that the rice is cooked evenly and has a fluffy texture. So, if you have a pressure cooker lying around in your kitchen, it’s time to put it to good use and make this delicious tomato rice.
What is Tomato Rice?
Tomato rice is a delicious and simple dish made with rice, tomatoes, and various spices. It is a popular recipe in many cuisines, including Indian and Mediterranean. Tomato rice is a great way to use up leftover rice and turn it into a flavorful and satisfying meal.
To make tomato rice, the rice is first cooked in a pressure cooker along with tomatoes, onions, and spices. This combination of ingredients gives the rice a tangy and aromatic flavor. The pressure cooker helps to cook the rice quickly and evenly, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.
Tomato rice can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side dish with other curries or vegetables. It can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile option for picnics, parties, or lunchboxes. It is a simple and budget-friendly dish that can be prepared in just a few steps.
Overall, tomato rice is a tasty and satisfying meal that is easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you are a beginner cook or an experienced chef, tomato rice is a recipe that is sure to please your taste buds.
Benefits of Tomato Rice
Tomato rice is not only a delicious dish but also offers several benefits for your health. Here are some of the key benefits of including tomato rice in your diet:
1. Rich in Nutrients
Tomatoes are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, as well as potassium and fiber. These nutrients are important for maintaining good overall health and supporting various bodily functions.
2. Boosts Immune System
The high vitamin C content in tomato rice helps to boost your immune system, making you less prone to illnesses and infections. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that fights against free radicals and reduces oxidative stress in the body.
3. Promotes Heart Health
Tomato rice is a heart-healthy dish as tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its heart-protective properties. Lycopene helps to reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol and lowering blood pressure.
4. Supports Digestive Health
The fiber content in tomato rice aids in digestion and promotes a healthy digestive system. It helps to prevent constipation and supports regular bowel movements, ensuring that waste is efficiently eliminated from the body.
Including tomato rice in your diet can be a tasty way to harness these benefits and improve your overall health. So why not give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors while reaping the rewards for your well-being?
Ingredients
For Tomato Rice:
- 1 cup of basmati rice
- 2 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Lemon wedges
What you’ll need
Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients and equipment:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of basmati rice
- 3 cups of water
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- A handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Oil for cooking
Equipment:
- Pressure cooker with a lid
- Wooden spatula or spoon for stirring
- Knife and cutting board for chopping
Make sure you have all these ingredients and equipment ready before you start making your tomato rice in the pressure cooker. It will help you to have a smooth cooking process.
Optional additions
If you want to add some extra flavor and texture to your tomato rice, here are a few optional additions you can consider:
1. Vegetables
You can add a variety of vegetables to your tomato rice to make it more nutritious and colorful. Some popular options include diced carrots, peas, bell peppers, and corn kernels. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the onions before adding the rice and tomatoes.
2. Protein
If you want to make your tomato rice more filling, you can add some protein to it. Options like cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well. You can either add them in their cooked form or sauté them along with the onions before adding the rice.
Remember to season the protein with salt and any other desired spices before adding it to the tomato rice.
These optional additions can help tailor the tomato rice to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and get creative with your own additions!
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make simple tomato rice in a pressure cooker:
1. | Heat oil in the pressure cooker and add mustard seeds. |
2. | Once the mustard seeds start to splutter, add cumin seeds, dried red chillies, and curry leaves. Saute for a minute. |
3. | Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. |
4. | Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy. |
5. | Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt to taste. Mix well. |
6. | Add washed rice and mix well with the tomato mixture. |
7. | Add water in a ratio of 1:2 (rice:water) and give everything a good stir. |
8. | Close the pressure cooker with its lid. Cook on medium heat until you hear two whistles. |
9. | Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. |
10. | Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and fluff the rice with a fork. |
11. | Your simple tomato rice is ready to be served. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and enjoy! |
Step 1: Preparing the rice
1. Rinse the rice in cold water to remove any excess starch. 2. Soak the rice in water for about 20 minutes to soften it. 3. Drain the water and set the rice aside. |
FAQ
What is the recipe for making tomato rice in a pressure cooker?
To make simple tomato rice in a pressure cooker, you will need ingredients such as rice, tomatoes, onions, spices, and oil. First, wash the rice and keep it aside. Then, heat oil in the pressure cooker and add onions. Sauté the onions till they become translucent. Next, add tomatoes and cook them until they become soft. Add spices like turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt according to taste. Then, add the washed rice and mix well with the tomato mixture. Add water in a ratio of 1:2 (rice:water). Close the pressure cooker and cook for 2 whistles or until the rice is cooked. Your simple tomato rice is ready to be served!
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for tomato rice?
Yes, you can definitely use brown rice instead of white rice for tomato rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook compared to white rice. You may need to increase the cooking time in the pressure cooker or pre-cook the brown rice partially before adding it to the tomato mixture. Adjust the water quantity accordingly as brown rice requires more water for cooking. Also, note that the texture and taste of the tomato rice may vary slightly when using brown rice instead of white rice.