1. Is Tomato Rice a Thing?

Yes! Tomato rice is a well-known dish in many cuisines, including Indian, Mexican, and West African cooking. It’s a flavorful meal where rice is cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices to create a delicious and aromatic dish. Whether served as a side dish or a main course , tomatoes and rice is a comforting and satisfying recipe enjoyed worldwide.

2. How to Make Tomato Rice?

Making tomato rice is easy and can be done in multiple ways, including on the stovetop, Instant Pot, or rice cooker . Here’s a simple method: 1️⃣ Sauté onions, garlic, and green chilies in oil until the onions turn golden . 2️⃣ Add chopped tomatoes or canned tomatoes and cook until tomatoes turn mushy . 3️⃣ Stir in spices like cumin, turmeric, and chili powder for extra flavor. 4️⃣ Add the rice (rinsed and drained), then toast the rice for a couple of minutes. 5️⃣ Pour in water or chicken broth , cover, and let it simmer until the rice is done . 6️⃣ Fluff the rice with a fork , let it rest for a few minutes, and serve hot.

3. Is Tomato Rice Healthy?

Yes! Tomato rice can be a healthy dish , depending on the ingredients used. Here’s why: ✔ Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C & K, and lycopene , which promote heart health . ✔ Brown rice or red rice can be used instead of white rice for extra fiber and nutrients . ✔ Adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers boosts nutritional value . ✔ Cooking with olive oil or ghee instead of butter makes it healthier . For a more balanced meal, serve tomato rice with: ✔ Grilled protein (chicken, fish, or tofu) ✔ A side of raita or fresh salad

4. How to Make Tomato Pulav?

Tomato pulav (or tomato pilaf) is similar to tomato rice , but it includes whole spices and vegetables for a richer, more aromatic flavor. 🔹 Step-by-Step Tomato Pulav Recipe: 1️⃣ Heat ghee or oil in a pan and add whole spices ( bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom ). 2️⃣ Sauté sliced onions and green chilies until the onions turn golden . 3️⃣ Stir in ginger garlic paste and cook until fragrant. 4️⃣ Add chopped tomatoes , curry leaves , and spices like turmeric and garam masala . 5️⃣ Mix in the rinsed basmati rice and stir everything together. 6️⃣ Pour in water or broth and cook until the rice is fluffy and well-cooked . 7️⃣ Fluff up the tomato pulav and serve with yogurt or a side curry . 🔹 For a quick version, make it in an Instant Pot or rice cooker!

5. How to Jazz Up Tomato Pasta?

If you want to upgrade a basic tomato pasta dish , here are some easy and delicious ideas : ✔ Use roasted tomatoes instead of regular tomato sauce for a deeper flavor. ✔ Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley for a classic Italian taste. ✔ Incorporate protein – grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu makes it a complete meal. ✔ Mix in veggies – mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers add color and nutrients. ✔ Upgrade with cheese – Parmesan, feta, or burrata can elevate the taste. ✔ Try a spicy kick – Red pepper flakes or chili oil add heat to the dish. ✔ Drizzle with olive oil and garlic for extra richness and flavor. 💡 Pro Tip: Serve tomato pasta with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal!

6. What is the Indian Dish with Tomatoes?

India has many delicious tomato-based dishes , including: ✔ Tomato Rice – A South Indian dish made with basmati rice, tomatoes, and spices . ✔ Tamatar Ka Shorba – A flavorful Indian tomato soup with warming spices. ✔ Tomato Rasam – A tangy, spiced tomato broth served with rice. ✔ Paneer Butter Masala – A creamy, tomato-based paneer curry . ✔ Baingan Bharta – Smoked eggplant mashed with chopped tomatoes, onions, and spices . Tomatoes play a major role in Indian cuisine, especially in curries, dals, and rice dishes!

Tomatoes and Rice Recipe – 30-Minute One-Pot Meal You'll Love!

Name: How to Cook Tomatoes and Rice – 3 Foolproof Methods!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice (or white rice, brown rice, or red rice); 2 cups water or broth (adjust as needed); 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste; 1 green chili, chopped (optional for spice); 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; ½ teaspoon turmeric powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste); 1 bay leaf (optional); 1 tablespoon oil or ghee; Salt, to taste; Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional); Vegetables – Bell peppers, peas, carrots; Protein – Chicken, shrimp, tofu; Nuts – Fried cashews for extra crunch

Description

Tomatoes and rice is a simple yet flavorful dish enjoyed in many cuisines around the world. This comforting recipe combines juicy tomatoes, fragrant spices, and perfectly cooked rice for a satisfying meal. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this dish is versatile, budget-friendly, and easy to customize. Learn how to make delicious tomatoes and rice using the stovetop, Instant Pot, or rice cooker with this step-by-step guide!

Ingredients

Scale

Essential Ingredients:

1 cup basmati rice (or white rice, brown rice, or red rice)
2 cups water or broth (adjust as needed)
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
1 green chili, chopped (optional for spice)
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 bay leaf (optional)
1 tablespoon oil or ghee
Salt, to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

Vegetables – Bell peppers, peas, carrots
Protein – Chicken, shrimp, tofu
Nuts – Fried cashews for extra crunch

Instructions

Stovetop Method:

Rinse & Soak the Rice: Rinse the rice under running water until the water runs clear. If using basmati rice, soak it for 30 minutes, then drain.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf. When fragrant, add onions and green chili. Sauté until onions turn golden.
Cook Tomatoes: Stir in garlic and ginger garlic paste. Cook for 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and cook until they soften.
Add Spices & Rice: Stir in turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add the drained rice and mix well.
Cook the Rice: Pour in water or broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed (about 15-18 minutes).
Fluff & Serve: Let the rice rest for 5 minutes, fluff with a fork, and garnish with cilantro.

Instant Pot Method:

Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat oil.
Sauté cumin seeds, onions, garlic, and ginger until golden.
Add tomatoes, spices, and rice. Mix well.
Pour in 1.5 cups of water or broth (Instant Pot requires less liquid).
Close the lid and set to Pressure Cook (High) for 5 minutes.
Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then fluff and serve.

Rice Cooker Method:

Add rinsed rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, spices, and water to the rice cooker.
Stir everything together and set the cooker to normal cook mode.
Once done, let it rest for a few minutes, then fluff and serve.

Notes

✔ Make it Spicy: Add more chili powder or chopped green chilies.
✔ For Extra Flavor: Toast the rice in oil before adding liquid.
✔ Protein Options: Serve with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
✔ Vegetarian Pairings: Enjoy with raita, sautéed veggies, or a fresh salad.
✔ Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Instant Pot, Rice Cooker
Cuisine: Indian, Mexican, West African

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 300mg (depending on added salt)
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Tomato rice, one-pot rice, Indian tomato rice, Mexican rice, Jollof rice, easy rice dish, vegetarian rice, quick rice recipe