tomato rice 🍚 😋

tomato rice 🍚 😋 is a easy Indian recipe that serves 3. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Kishore_GSM on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 24 min | Total: 44 min

Cost: $1.56 total, $0.52 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for frying)
  • 1 medium Onion (sliced thin)
  • 2 pieces Green Chilies (slit lengthwise)
  • 10-12 leaves Curry Leaves (fresh)
  • 2 medium Tomatoes (diced)
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder (regular or Kashmiri)
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala (store‑bought blend)
  • 1 tsp Cumin Powder (ground)
  • 1 tsp Coriander Powder (ground)
  • 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 cups Leftover Cooked Rice (day‑old, chilled)
  • 2-3 tbsp Water (optional, to deglaze)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Dice the tomatoes, slice the onion, slit the green chilies, and gather the curry leaves.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced onion, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  3. Cook Tomatoes

    Add the diced tomatoes to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, about 7 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Add Spices

    Stir in chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Fry for 2 minutes until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Deglaze (Optional)

    If the mixture looks dry, pour 2‑3 tbsp water and continue frying until excess moisture evaporates.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Add Rice

    Add the leftover cooked rice to the pan. Gently fold to coat the rice evenly with the tomato‑spice mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  7. Finish with Lemon

    Turn off the heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the rice, give a final stir, and serve hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
210
Protein
3g
Carbohydrates
42g
Fat
5g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan

Allergens: None

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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tomato rice 🍚 😋

Recipe by Kishore_GSM

A quick and flavorful South Indian tomato rice made with day‑old rice, fresh tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a splash of lemon juice. Perfect for a fast lunch or dinner using leftovers.

EasyIndianServes 3

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
22m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
44m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.56
Total cost
$0.52
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté aromatics until onion is translucent
  • Cook tomatoes until they soften and release juices
  • Fry spices briefly without burning
  • Ensure rice is heated evenly and coated with masala
  • Add lemon juice at the end for brightness

Safety Warnings

  • Be careful with hot oil to avoid splatter.
  • Use caution when handling sharp knives.
  • Do not overheat spices; they can become bitter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Tomato Rice in South Indian (Telugu) cuisine?

A

Tomato Rice, known as "Thakkali Sadya" in Telugu households, is a comfort food that originated as a way to use leftover rice. It blends the tanginess of tomatoes with traditional spices, making it a popular weekday meal and a quick festive side.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Tomato Rice in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana?

A

In Andhra Pradesh, the rice is often spicier with extra green chilies and sometimes includes peanuts. In Telangana, a touch of tamarind or jaggery is added for a sweet‑sour balance, and the dish may be garnished with fresh coriander.

cultural
Q

How is Tomato Rice traditionally served in Telugu households?

A

It is typically served hot as a main or side dish alongside curd (plain yogurt), pickle, or a simple vegetable stir‑fry. Many families enjoy it with a side of papad or a dollop of ghee.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Tomato Rice commonly prepared in Telugu culture?

A

Tomato Rice is a go‑to dish for everyday meals, but it also appears during festivals like Sankranti and Ugadi when families want a quick, tasty rice dish that can be prepared alongside more elaborate dishes.

cultural
Q

How does Tomato Rice fit into the broader Indian rice dish tradition?

A

It belongs to the family of flavored rice dishes such as lemon rice, tamarind rice, and coconut rice, where a base of cooked rice is tossed with a seasoned tempering, showcasing regional spice palettes.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Tomato Rice versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh tomatoes, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and a blend of chili, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Substitutes can be canned tomatoes, bay leaf instead of curry leaves, or paprika in place of chili powder, though flavor will vary slightly.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Tomato Rice with leftover rice?

A

Common errors include using freshly cooked rice (which becomes mushy), over‑cooking the spices causing bitterness, and adding too much water which makes the dish soggy. Use day‑old rice, fry spices briefly, and add water only to deglaze.

technical
Q

Why does this Tomato Rice recipe use a splash of water during cooking instead of adding more oil?

A

A small amount of water helps deglaze the pan, releasing stuck tomato bits and preventing the spices from burning while keeping the dish light. Adding extra oil would make the rice greasy and mask the bright tomato flavor.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Tomato Rice is done and ready to serve?

A

The rice is ready when it is heated through, the spices are evenly coated, and the mixture looks glossy with no raw floury taste. A final squeeze of lemon should brighten the aroma; taste and adjust salt if needed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Kishore_GSM specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Kishore_GSM focuses on simple, home‑cooked Indian recipes, especially quick meals that use everyday pantry ingredients and leftover foods, presented in clear Telugu narration.

channel

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