Tomato rice also called `tomato pulao` is a delicious recipe relished in various parts of India. This dish is one of South Indian style rice preparations. The basic ingredients for preparing tomato rice are tomatoes, rice, onion, garlic cloves, and bay leaves to name a few. The secret of this dish`s deliciousness lies in the tactful usage of spices. Tomato rice is easy to make and can be prepared at home.

Ingredients of Tomato Rice

•Medium tomatoes chopped
•2-3 tablespoons methi leaves chopped
•1 1/2 cups of rice, uncooked
•2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
•1 small onion
•2-3 garlic cloves
•1" piece ginger
•1-2 cloves
•1 stick cinnamon
•1 cardamom pod
•3-4 green chillies
•1 onion sliced finely
•2-3 bay leaves, crushed
•2 tsp. red chilli powder
•1/2 tsp. turmeric
•2 tsp. dhania powder
•1 tsp. cumin powder

Method of Preparing Tomato Rice

•Heat some oil and add the bay leaves.
•When they turn coloured, add the sliced onions and fry them till they turn translucent.
•Now add the onion paste and fry till the mixture turns brown and loses all moisture.
•Now add the chopped tomato and methi leaves.
•Fry for 2-3 minutes. Add the spices and keep frying for a minute.
•Add the rice and fry it for 3 minutes.
•Add salt to taste.
•Take this off the fire, transfer to a pressure cooker/ microwaveable casserole dish, add 3 - 3 1/2 cups of water, (it depends on rice quality) close the dish and heat in the microwave for about 18 minutes. (1whistle in pressure cooker)
•Note: One can also add frozen green peas to this dish.
•Add it after frying the rice.
•It will cook with the rice in the microwave.
•Serve.

Tomato rice can be served with simple raita/ pachadi, coconut pachadi papads or with potato chips. This mouth watering dish can be great for lunch for both adults and kids. But the chillies have to be adjusted when it is about children.