Flavorful South Indian Tomato Rice

Ingredients

• Basmati rice (1 cup)
• Water (2 cups (for cooking rice))
• Oil (2 tablespoons)
• Mustard seeds (1 teaspoon)
• Curry leaves (10-12 leaves)
• Green chillies (2, slit)
• Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
• Ginger (1 inch, grated)
• Tomatoes (2 large, chopped)
• Turmeric powder (1/2 teaspoon)
• Red chilli powder (1 teaspoon)
• Garam masala (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. Wash and soak the basmati rice in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked rice, a pinch of salt, and cook until the rice is fluffy and water is absorbed. Set the cooked rice aside.
3. In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. When hot, add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.
4. Add curry leaves and slit green chillies to the pan and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
5. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the grated ginger and sauté until the raw smell dissipates.
7. Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and mushy, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Gently fold in the cooked rice into the tomato mixture, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the spices.
9. Cover the pan and allow it to cook on low flame for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander, alongside raita or your favorite side dish.