Olivia Carter
If you love the flavors of tomatoes and rice, but don’t have a pressure cooker, don’t worry!
Making tomato rice without a pressure cooker is easy and can be done in just a few simple steps.
First, gather all the ingredients you’ll need: rice, ripe tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder.
Start by cooking the rice separately in a pot. While the rice is cooking, heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they turn golden brown. Then, add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
Next, add the spices – turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder – and stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
Finally, add the cooked rice to the tomato mixture and gently mix everything together, making sure the rice is coated with the flavorful tomato sauce. Let it cook for another minute or two, so that the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors.
And there you have it – a delicious and aromatic tomato rice dish that’s made without a pressure cooker! Serve it hot with a side of raita or yogurt for a complete meal.
This easy recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a quick and flavorful meal without the need for a pressure cooker.
So go ahead and try making tomato rice without a pressure cooker – you won’t be disappointed!
What is Tomato Rice?
Tomato rice is a popular South Indian dish that is made by cooking rice with tomatoes and a variety of spices. It is a flavorful and tangy rice dish that is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Tomato rice can be spiced up with the addition of vegetables, such as peas or carrots, or can be served as a side dish with a curry or raita.
To make tomato rice, the rice is first cooked to perfection and then mixed with a tangy tomato sauce. The sauce is made by sautéing onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes along with spices like turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. The cooked rice is then added to the tomato sauce and gently mixed until every grain of rice is coated with the flavorsome sauce.
The end result is a deliciously aromatic and colorful rice dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Tomato rice is not only scrumptious but also nutritious as tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, and are a good source of antioxidants. This dish can be served on its own or with a side of raitha or pappadums to add some extra crunch and texture. Regardless of how you choose to serve it, tomato rice is sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Why make Tomato Rice without Pressure Cooker?
Many people believe that using a pressure cooker is the fastest and easiest way to cook rice dishes. However, there are several reasons why you might want to make tomato rice without using a pressure cooker.
1. Taste
When you cook tomato rice without a pressure cooker, you have more control over the flavors and textures. The rice grains will have a slightly firmer texture, which some people prefer. Additionally, cooking the rice in a regular pot allows the flavors of the tomatoes, spices, and other ingredients to meld together more slowly, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
2. Convenience
Not everyone owns a pressure cooker, and some people prefer not to use one due to safety concerns or personal preferences. Making tomato rice without a pressure cooker allows you to enjoy this delicious dish using basic kitchen equipment that you probably already have, such as a regular pot and a stove.
Moreover, cooking tomato rice without a pressure cooker gives you more flexibility in terms of portion sizes. You can easily adjust the recipe to make larger or smaller quantities based on your needs, without the limitations of a pressure cooker’s capacity.
In conclusion, while using a pressure cooker can be convenient, making tomato rice without one gives you more control over the taste and allows for more flexibility in terms of equipment and portion sizes. So, why not give it a try?
Ingredients for Tomato Rice
Here are the ingredients you will need to make homemade tomato rice:
- 1 cup of Basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of green peas
- 1/2 cup of corn kernels
- 1/2 cup of carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup of beans, chopped
Feel free to add any vegetables you like to make the tomato rice more flavorful and nutritious.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Wash 1 cup of basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear.
- Soak the rice in water for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 chopped onion, and 2 chopped green chilies. Saute until the onions turn translucent.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste and saute for 1 minute.
- Add 2 chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of garam masala powder. Mix well.
- Add 1 cup of vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers) and saute for 2 minutes.
- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Mix well.
- Add 2 cups of water, salt to taste, and a handful of chopped coriander leaves. Stir and combine everything.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with additional coriander leaves and serve hot.
Enjoy your homemade tomato rice!
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Before you start making tomato rice, it’s important to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of basmati rice
- 3 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Make sure to chop the tomatoes, onion, green chilies, garlic, and grate the ginger before you start cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Once the tomatoes have simmered for a few minutes, it’s time to start sautéing the onions and garlic. You’ll need a large frying pan or skillet for this step.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Heat some oil in the frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent and starts to brown.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for an additional minute or until fragrant.
This sautéed onion and garlic mixture will add a flavorful base to the tomato rice dish. It gives a lovely aroma and enhances the taste of the final dish.
Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
Instructions:
- Place the rinsed rice in a saucepan and add water.
- Let the rice soak in water for 30 minutes.
- After soaking, bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked and all the water is absorbed, turn off the heat.
- Keep the lid on for another 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam.
- After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
Note: It’s important to let the rice soak and steam to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Spices
Once the onions are translucent, it’s time to add the tomatoes and spices to your tomato rice. This step will give your dish its signature flavor and aroma. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook them until they become soft and mushy.
- Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt to the pan. Mix well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed.
- Cook the tomatoes and spices for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- At this point, your kitchen will likely be filled with a wonderful aroma!
By adding the tomatoes and spices, you are infusing your rice with delicious flavors that will make it satisfying and memorable. Make sure to mix everything well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
After this step, your tomato rice is almost ready to be served. The next step involves adding the cooked rice to the pan and gently mixing it with the tomato mixture. Continue reading to find out how to finish off your homemade tomato rice!
Step 5: Mix and Simmer
Once the tomatoes and rice have cooked separately, it’s time to bring them together and let the flavors meld. Take a large mixing bowl and add the cooked rice to it. Then, pour the tomato mixture over the rice and gently mix everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the tomato sauce.
Next, cover the bowl with a lid or aluminum foil to trap the heat and moisture. This will allow the rice to continue cooking and absorb the flavors of the tomatoes. Place the bowl back on the stove over low heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Tip:
If you prefer a softer texture, you can add a little bit of water or vegetable broth at this stage. Just make sure not to add too much, as you don’t want the rice to become mushy.
Simmering vs. Pressure Cooking:
Although pressure cooking is a popular method for making tomato rice, simmering allows the flavors to develop more gradually, resulting in a richer taste. Additionally, simmering allows you to have more control over the cooking process and adjust the flavors as needed.
While the rice is simmering, you can use this time to prepare any additional ingredients or side dishes to accompany your tomato rice. Once the simmering time is up, remove the lid or foil and give the rice a final mix. It should be soft, fluffy, and bursting with the tangy flavors of tomato.
Your homemade tomato rice is now ready to be served hot as a delicious and flavorful main dish or as a side to complement your favorite curry or grilled meat. Enjoy!
FAQ
What is tomato rice?
Tomato rice is a delicious Indian dish made with cooked rice and a flavourful tomato-based sauce. It is a popular dish in South India and is often served as a main course.
Can I make tomato rice without a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can make tomato rice without a pressure cooker. There are alternative methods, such as cooking the rice on the stovetop or using a rice cooker.
