Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a simple and flavorful rice dish to make in a hurry, tomato pulao is the perfect choice. This quick and easy recipe is made in a pressure cooker, which locks in the flavors and allows the rice to cook evenly. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
To make tomato pulao, start by sautéing onions, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste in some oil. This creates a fragrant base for the dish and adds a depth of flavor. Then, add in chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and pulpy. The tomatoes give the pulao a tangy and slightly sweet taste that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Next, add in the rice and a mixture of spices such as turmeric, coriander powder, and garam masala. These spices add warmth and complexity to the dish. Stir everything together to ensure that the rice is well-coated with the tomato and spice mixture. Finally, add in water or vegetable broth, cover the pressure cooker, and let it cook for a few minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy.
Once the tomato pulao is cooked, let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it hot with a side of raita or yogurt for a complete meal. This dish is not only delicious, but it’s also nutritious, as tomatoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal option, give this tomato pulao recipe a try!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tomato Pulao in Pressure Cooker
Tomato pulao is a delicious and aromatic dish that is easy to make in a pressure cooker. Follow these steps to create a flavorful tomato pulao at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green chili, slit
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
- Coriander leaves for garnishing
Instructions:
- Wash the basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Heat ghee or oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the sliced onion and green chili to the pressure cooker. Sauté until the onion turns golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Now, add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt to taste. Mix well.
- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pressure cooker. Mix gently to coat the rice with the tomato masala.
- Add water to the pressure cooker and stir everything together.
- Close the pressure cooker with its lid and cook on medium heat for 2 whistles.
- Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
This aromatic tomato pulao is a perfect one-pot meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of raita or plain yogurt. Enjoy!
Gathering the Ingredients
To make tomato pulao in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice
2. Tomatoes:
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, finely chopped
3. Vegetables:
- 1 medium-sized onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium-sized carrot, finely chopped
- 1 medium-sized capsicum, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green peas
4. Spices:
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
5. Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 2 cups water
- Few sprigs of coriander leaves, finely chopped (for garnishing)
Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking the tomato pulao.
Preparing the Rice
To start making tomato pulao, you’ll need to prepare the rice. Follow these steps to ensure that your rice turns out perfectly fluffy and flavorful:
- Measure the desired amount of basmati rice and wash it thoroughly under running water. This step is important to remove excess starch and any impurities.
- Once washed, soak the rice in enough water for at least 20 minutes. Soaking the rice helps in achieving separate grains when cooked.
- After soaking, drain the water from the rice using a colander or strainer.
- Place a pressure cooker on medium heat and add ghee or oil. Once heated, add whole spices like bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Sauté them for a minute until fragrant.
- Next, add thinly sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the pulao.
- Add the washed and drained rice to the pressure cooker and mix it gently with the onions and spices. Ensure that the rice grains are coated evenly with the aromatic mixture.
- Pour water into the pressure cooker, maintaining a 1:2 ratio of rice to water. For example, if you’re using 1 cup of rice, add 2 cups of water. Adjust the quantity according to your preference for a softer or firmer texture.
- Add salt to taste and mix everything well. The salt will enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Close the pressure cooker with its lid and cook the rice on medium heat for 2 whistles. This will ensure that the rice is cooked perfectly and not overcooked.
- Once the whistle is complete, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. After the pressure is released, open the lid of the pressure cooker and fluff the rice gently with a fork. This step will separate the grains and prevent clumping.
- Your rice is now ready to be added to the tomato pulao mixture. Set it aside and move on to the next step of making the tomato base.
Preparing the Tomato Base
To make a delicious tomato pulao in a pressure cooker, you first need to prepare the tomato base. The tomato base is what gives the pulao its tangy and flavorful taste. Here’s how you can prepare it:
- Start by heating some oil or ghee in the pressure cooker.
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds.
- Next, add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
- Now, add the spices – turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala.
- Season with salt according to taste and mix well.
- Cook the tomato base for a few minutes until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
- Finally, add washed and soaked basmati rice to the tomato base and mix well.
At this stage, you can also add some green peas or other vegetables of your choice to make the pulao more nutritious and colorful. Once you have mixed the rice well with the tomato base, you can proceed to cook the pulao in the pressure cooker according to the instructions provided. Remember to follow the recommended water-to-rice ratio and cooking time for your pressure cooker.
With the tomato base prepared, you can now enjoy the aromatic and flavorful tomato pulao made in your pressure cooker. Serve it hot with raita or any curry of your choice for a complete meal.
Cooking the Tomato Pulao in Pressure Cooker
Once you have gathered all the ingredients for your tomato pulao, it’s time to start cooking it in your pressure cooker. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and flavorful dish:
1. Heat some oil in your pressure cooker and add the whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Let the spices release their aroma for a few seconds.
2. Next, add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. This will add a rich and caramelized flavor to your pulao.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
4. Now, it’s time to add the main ingredient – tomatoes. Cut the tomatoes into small pieces and add them to the pressure cooker. Cook them until they become mushy and start releasing their juices.
5. To enhance the flavor even more, add some spices like turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix everything well and cook for a minute or two.
6. Add washed rice and mix it with the tomato-onion-spice mixture. Sauté the rice for a few minutes to coat each grain with the flavors.
7. Add the required amount of water and season with salt according to your taste. Give everything a good stir and close the lid of the pressure cooker.
8. Cook the pulao on medium heat for about 2-3 whistles or until the rice is perfectly cooked and the flavors are well blended.
9. Once the pressure is released and it’s safe to open the pressure cooker, fluff the rice gently with a fork.
10. Your tomato pulao is now ready to be served hot with raita or any curry of your choice.
By following these steps, you can easily make tomato pulao in a pressure cooker without compromising on its taste and flavor. Enjoy this delicious and aromatic dish with your family and friends!
Serving and Enjoying the Tomato Pulao
Once the tomato pulao is cooked and ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Here are a few tips to enhance your dining experience:
1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs
Add a pop of freshness to your tomato pulao by garnishing it with freshly chopped coriander or mint leaves. The vibrant green color and aromatic flavors of these herbs will complement the tomato rice beautifully.
2. Pair with Raita or Yogurt
Tomato pulao goes exceptionally well with a side of raita or plain yogurt. The cool and creamy texture of the yogurt will balance out the tangy and spicy flavors of the pulao.
3. Serve with Pickles or Chutney
For an extra kick of flavor, serve the tomato pulao with some spicy pickles or chutney. The tanginess and heat from these condiments will add a delicious twist to your meal.
4. Enjoy with Papad or Crispy Fries
If you’re craving some crunch, consider serving the tomato pulao with papad or crispy fries. These crunchy accompaniments will provide a satisfying texture contrast to the soft and flavorful rice.
5. Serve as a Main Dish or Side Dish
The tomato pulao can be enjoyed as a standalone main dish or as a side dish alongside your favorite curries or grilled meats. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit any meal.
Follow these suggestions and get ready to indulge in a delectable bowl of tomato pulao. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it by yourself, this flavorful rice dish is sure to impress!
FAQ
What is tomato pulao?
Tomato pulao is a delicious rice dish cooked with tomatoes, spices, and aromatic herbs. It is a popular Indian recipe and can be made in a pressure cooker for a quick and easy meal.
What are the ingredients needed to make tomato pulao?
The ingredients needed to make tomato pulao are: rice, tomatoes, onions, green chillies, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala powder, cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, salt, oil, and water.
