New Delhi: Karnataka-style tomato rice is a flavourful and aromatic rice dish that hails from the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is a popular recipe that is a staple in many Kannadiga households and is often served as a main course or as a side dish. The dish is prepared by mixing sautéed onions, ginger, garlic, and tomatoes. These are then cooked with rice by adding a blend of spices. It results in a mouth-watering, slightly spicy, and extremely delicious rice dish that is filled with the flavours of Karnataka’s rich culinary heritage.
What makes Karnataka-style tomato rice different from other tomato rice is the use of a special blend of spices that includes cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and cinnamon sticks. This adds depth and warmth to the dish. Apart from this, the use of fresh tomatoes and a bit of tamarind pulp gives the rice a tangy and slightly sweet flavour.
Whether you love South Indian cuisine or are just looking to try something new, this Karnataka-style tomato rice is a must-try to satisfy your taste buds.
How to make Karnataka-style tomato rice?
Karnataka-style Tomato Rice is a popular one-pot meal that is fondly enjoyed by natives of Karnataka. The use of ghee, curry leaves, and a special spice mix gives this dish a distinct South Indian flavour.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice (preferably leftover or cooled rice)
- 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 green chilli, slit
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tbsp sambar powder (optional)
- A few curry leaves
- 1 tbsp tamarind extract (optional, for tanginess)
- 1 tsp jaggery (optional, to balance flavours)
- 2 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions to make:
- In a pan, heat ghee or oil and add mustard seeds.
- Once they begin to splutter, add cumin seeds, curry leaves, and green chilli.
- Now, add chopped onions and saute until they turn translucent.
- Now add tomatoes and cook them until they turn tender and mushy.
- In this, now add turmeric, chilli powder, coriander powder, sambar powder, and salt.
- Cook until the oil separates from the base.
- Now add tamarind extract and jaggery to this base and mix well.
- Lastly, add the cooked rice and mix it nicely until it gets well-coated with the prepared masala.
- Garnish it with coriander leaves and serve hot with raita or papad.
Make yourself some fresh and delightful tomato rice at home using only a few ingredients and enjoy authentic South Indian flavours.