Hyderabadi Tomato Rice
A vibrant and tangy one-pot rice dish from Hyderabad, where fluffy basmati rice is cooked with ripe tomatoes and a fragrant blend of whole spices. It's a perfect, satisfying meal for any day of the week, best served with raita.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Rice
- b.Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch.
- c.Soak the rice in ample water for 30 minutes. After soaking, drain it completely using a colander and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Onions
- b.Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker over medium heat.
- c.Add the whole spices: cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and slightly crushed green cardamoms. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until they become fragrant.
- d.Add the sliced onions and sauté for 6-8 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- e.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Tomato Masala
- b.Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pot. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft, mushy, and the ghee starts to separate from the masala.
- c.Stir in the spice powders: turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook for one minute.
- d.Add the chopped mint leaves and 2 tbsp of the chopped coriander leaves. Mix well.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Cook the Rice
- b.Gently add the drained, soaked rice to the pot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring very carefully to coat the grains with the masala without breaking them.
- c.Pour in 3 cups of water and add the salt. Stir gently to combine.
- d.Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
- e.For pot cooking: Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until all water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
- f.For pressure cooker: Secure the lid and cook on medium heat for 2 whistles. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest, Garnish, and Serve
- b.Once cooked, let the rice rest, covered and undisturbed, for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for the grains to firm up and become fluffy.
- c.Open the lid, sprinkle the garam masala, remaining 1 tbsp coriander leaves, and optional lemon juice over the rice.
- d.Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Serve hot with a side of cucumber raita or plain yogurt.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use ripe, red, and slightly tangy tomatoes for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- 2Soaking the basmati rice for 30 minutes is essential for achieving long, separate, and perfectly fluffy grains.
- 3Do not over-stir the rice after adding water, as this can break the grains and make the dish mushy.
- 4The 10-minute resting period after cooking (known as 'dum') is non-negotiable for perfect texture.
- 5Ensure the tomatoes are cooked down completely until oil separates. This 'bhunao' step is key to developing a deep, rich flavor base.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein-Rich
Add 1 cup of paneer cubes, boiled chickpeas, or mixed vegetables like peas and carrots along with the tomatoes to make it a more complete meal.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies to 4-5 or add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper powder along with the other spices for extra heat.
Nutty & RichNutty & Rich
Fry a handful of cashews in ghee until golden and add them as a garnish for a festive touch and crunchy texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Aids Digestion
The whole spices used, such as cumin, cloves, and cardamom, are known for their carminative and digestive properties, helping to stimulate digestive enzymes and improve gut health.
Provides Sustained Energy
Basmati rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of energy, keeping you feeling full and energized for longer periods.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a reasonably balanced dish. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, and whole spices offer various health benefits. To make it healthier, you can use brown basmati rice for more fiber and be mindful of the amount of ghee used.