Dinner

Tomato Rice | One Pot Meal Recipe

Name: Tomato Rice | One Pot Meal Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 Bay Leaves; 1 Inch Cinnamon Stick; 2 Green Cardamom Pods; 4 Black Peppercorns; 2 Cloves; 1 Tsp Cumin Seeds; 2 Dry Red Chilies; 1 Star Anise; Few Curry Leaves; 1 Tbsp Oil; 1 Tbsp Ghee; 1 Onion, sliced; 1 Tsp Ginger Garlic Paste; ¼ Tsp Turmeric Powder; 1 Tsp Kashmiri Chili Powder; 1 Tsp Coriander Powder; ½ Tsp Cumin Powder; ¼ Tsp Garam Masala; 2 Tomatoes, chopped; 1 Cup Basmati Rice; 2 Green Chilies, slitted; 2 Tbsp Coriander Leaves, finely chopped; 1.25 Cup Water; Salt to taste

ByJulian Dempsey November 9, 2025November 9, 2025

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Introduction

Tomato Rice is a flavorful one-pot meal that’s both comforting and easy to prepare. Infused with aromatic spices and tangy tomatoes, this dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Enjoy the vibrant colors and delicious taste that brings a burst of Indian flavors to your table.

A close-up of a round plate full of cooked biryani rice, showing thin yellow and orange noodles mixed with small green herb pieces and bits of red tomato, topped with a whole star anise in the center, sitting on a white marbled surface with two small white bowls nearby – one filled with white yogurt garnished with a small green herb and light brown spice on top, and the other containing colorful round puffs in orange, yellow, and pink hues. The plate is placed on a cloth with red and blue patterns underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 Tbsp Oil
1 Tbsp Ghee
2 Bay Leaf
1 Inch Cinnamon Stick
2 Green Cardamom
4 Black Pepper
2 Cloves
1 Tsp Cumin Seeds
2 Dry Red Chili
1 Star Anise
Few Curry Leaves
1 Onion (sliced)
1 Tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
¼ Tsp Turmeric
1 Tsp Kashmiri Chili Powder
1 Tsp Coriander Powder
½ Tsp Cumin Powder
¼ Tsp Garam Masala
2 Tomato (chopped)
1 Cup Basmati Rice
2 Green Chili (slitted)
2 Tbsp Coriander Leaves (finely chopped)
1.25 Cup Water
Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse 1 cup of basmati rice well and soak it in enough water for 20 minutes.
Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp ghee in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
Step 3: Add whole spices: 2 bay leaves, 1 inch cinnamon stick, 2 green cardamoms, 4 black peppercorns, 2 cloves, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 2 dry red chilies, and 1 star anise. Sauté until they release a fragrant aroma.
Step 4: Add a few curry leaves, 1 sliced onion, and 1 tsp ginger garlic paste. Sauté until the onion starts to brown.
Step 5: Lower the heat and add dry spices: ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, and ¼ tsp garam masala. Sauté for 2 minutes to blend the spices well.
Step 6: Add 2 chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
Step 7: Drain the soaked basmati rice and add it to the cooker along with 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves and 2 slitted green chilies. Mix gently to combine.
Step 8: Pour in 1.25 cups water and add salt to taste. Stir everything well.
Step 9: Close the lid and pressure cook on medium-high heat for 2 whistles, then turn off the heat.
Step 10: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then open the cooker and fluff the rice with a fork. Let it rest for 5 more minutes before garnishing with additional coriander leaves.
Step 11: Serve the tomato rice hot with raita, papad, or pickle for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

Soaking the rice helps it cook evenly and results in fluffier grains.
Add vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition and color.
For a vegan version, omit ghee and use oil only.
Adjust green chili quantity to control the heat level.

Storage

Store leftover tomato rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

A large black bowl is filled with a layer of golden-yellow sev, thin and crispy strands mixed with small green herb bits and tiny red chili pieces, topped with a dark brown star anise placed at the center. Next to the bowl, on a white marbled surface, there is a small scalloped white bowl holding a thick white yogurt garnish with small round orange pieces and a small green mint leaf on top, sprinkled lightly with brown spices. Beside this is another small white bowl containing a mix of hollow, colorful, puffed snacks in orange, yellow, red, and light green. The background is white marbled and there is a cloth with white, blue, and red pattern at the bottom edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular white rice instead of basmati?

Yes, but the texture and aroma will differ. Basmati rice is preferred for its fragrance and fluffiness.

Is it necessary to pressure cook the rice?

Pressure cooking speeds up the process and infuses flavors well, but you can cook it in a pot with a tight-fitting lid. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.