One-Pot Tomato Rice Recipe Using Preethi Electric Pressure Cooker (Thakkali Sadam)
Tomato Rice, or Thakkali Sadam, is a delightful South Indian dish that combines the goodness of rice with the rich flavors of tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a touch of ghee. It is a staple in many South Indian homes, particularly for its quick preparation and comforting taste. While traditionally made using leftover rice, this recipe utilizes the convenience of a Preethi Electric Pressure Cooker, allowing you to prepare this dish from scratch in just 30 minutes. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a simple lunchbox recipe, this one-pot wonder is sure to be a family favorite!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: South Indian
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Serving Size: 4 servings
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Pearl onions (Sambar onions) | 10, finely chopped (or use regular onions) |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 4, finely chopped |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig, roughly torn |
| Sambar Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mint leaves (Pudina) | A small bunch, finely chopped |
| Sesame (Gingelly) oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200-250 |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
Instructions
-
Preparation:
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients for your Thakkali Sadam. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, and set it aside.
- Finely chop the pearl onions (or regular onions), garlic, tomatoes, and mint leaves.
-
Cooking the Base:
- Set your Preethi Electric Pressure Cooker to saute mode and heat the sesame oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Allow them to crackle, which will release their wonderful flavor.
- Next, add the finely chopped onions, garlic, and curry leaves. Saute the mixture until the onions become golden brown and soft, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Adding Tomatoes and Spices:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the cooker and sauté them until they soften, releasing their juices. Continue to cook until the water evaporates, leaving a semi-thick paste.
- Now, add the sambar powder, turmeric powder, cardamom powder, and salt. Stir everything together to blend the spices into the tomato paste.
- Toss in the finely chopped mint leaves and sauté for a few more minutes to infuse the flavor.
-
Cooking the Rice:
- Add the rinsed rice into the pot and stir to coat the rice with the tomato-spice mixture.
- Pour in 1 1/4 cups of water, ensuring the rice is fully submerged.
- Cancel the sauté mode and switch to the keep warm setting. Press the Menu button and select the Rice mode.
- Close the lid and set the pressure nozzle to the pressure mode. Allow the cooker to cook the rice, and the timer will automatically turn off once the rice is done.
-
Finishing Touches:
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the cooker.
- Stir in a tablespoon of ghee (or sesame oil) to add a rich, aromatic finish to the Thakkali Sadam.
-
Serving:
- Serve the tomato rice hot, garnished with fresh mint or coriander, if desired.
- Pair it with a side of Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita for a refreshing contrast, or enjoy it on its own as a flavorful main dish. It’s perfect for packing into lunchboxes or for a quick weeknight dinner.
Serving Suggestions:
- Thakkali Sadam can be enjoyed with any curry or raita of your choice. The Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita is a great complement, balancing the spiciness of the rice with its cool and creamy texture.
- This dish also pairs wonderfully with a side of Papadums or Pickles to elevate the South Indian experience.
Tips for the Best Thakkali Sadam:
- Rice Variety: Traditional South Indian tomato rice is made with long-grain rice like Basmati. However, you can experiment with other rice varieties like jasmine rice for a slightly different flavor.
- Leftover Rice: If you prefer using leftover rice, simply skip the cooking steps and mix the rice into the prepared tomato mixture, adding just enough water to make it moist.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sambar powder to suit your spice tolerance. You can add a dash of red chili powder for extra heat if desired.
- Storage: Thakkali Sadam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water or ghee for a fresh taste.
Conclusion:
This easy-to-make one-pot Thakkali Sadam is a perfect blend of tradition and convenience, bringing the comforting flavors of South India to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Using the Preethi Electric Pressure Cooker makes this recipe faster and more efficient, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without the fuss. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or a homemaker, this simple, flavorful dish is sure to become a go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation.
