When hunger strikes, rice is often the first comfort food that comes to mind. It’s quick, easy, and forms the base for countless delicious variations- be it steamed rice, fried rice, or even creative recipes made from leftovers. Among these, one popular South Indian dish is Tomato Rice, also known as Thakkali Sadam in Tamil. It is a flavorful, tangy, and mildly spiced rice dish made with ripe tomatoes, cooked rice, and a simple blend of South Indian spices. This beloved dish is both quick to prepare and delicious.
Nutritional Benefits of Thakkali Sadam
This dish is not just flavorful but also healthy. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health and boosts immunity. Rice provides quick energy, while curry leaves aid digestion and add a unique aroma. Adding onions, garlic, and green chillies enhances the nutritional profile with vitamins, minerals, and natural antibacterial properties. Cooking this at home is easy- just have the ingredients ready and follow the preparation method.
Ingredients Needed
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2 cups rice
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2 tbsp ghee
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1 onion
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1 green chilli
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1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
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1 cup tomatoes
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Salt to taste
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1 tsp curry powder
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1 tsp red chilli powder
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1 tbsp turmeric powder
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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10 curry leaves
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1 tbsp mustard seeds
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2 tbsp coriander leaves
Preparation Method
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Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice well and cook it until soft and fluffy (around 3 whistles in a pressure cooker).
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Tempering: Heat ghee in a wok, then add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Toss in the curry leaves for an aromatic touch.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add finely chopped onions, green chilli, and ginger-garlic paste. Fry until the onions turn golden and the raw smell disappears.
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Prepare the Tomato Masala: Add chopped tomatoes along with curry powder, red chilli powder, and turmeric. Cook on medium heat until the tomatoes break down and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
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Mix in the Rice: Gently mix the cooked rice into the masala, making sure every grain gets coated with the tomato mixture.
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Final Touch: Cook for 2-3 minutes on low heat. Finish with a drizzle of lemon juice and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Tips for Best Results
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Always use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best tangy taste.
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Leftover rice works well for this recipe, making it a great way to reduce food waste.
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Using ghee enhances the richness, but you can replace it with oil for a vegan version.
Accompaniments
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A side of vegetable kurma or potato fry for a fuller meal.
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A bowl of rasam for a comforting South Indian thali-style lunch.
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Boiled eggs or omelette for added protein.
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Tastes best with papad, pickle, or a cooling raita (like onion or cucumber raita).
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Can also be paired with plain curd/yogurt for a simple meal.
Tomato rice, or Thakkali Sadam, is a staple in many South Indian households, especially in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It’s not only a quick weekday meal but also a popular lunchbox recipe for school kids and working professionals. More than just a quick meal, it’s comfort food for many. With its perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice, it captures the essence of homestyle South Indian cooking.
