🍅 Tomato Masala Rice

A spicy, tangy, and aromatic rice dish made with ripe tomatoes and bold Indian spices — comforting, flavorful, and easy to make!

🧂 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
1 cup basmati or short-grain rice, cooked & cooled

2–3 medium ripe tomatoes, finely chopped or pureed

1 small onion, finely sliced

2–3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 inch ginger, grated

2 green chilies, slit

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

1/2 tsp urad dal (optional)

1/2 tsp chana dal (optional)

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp red chili powder

1 tsp coriander powder

1/2 tsp garam masala or sambar powder

8–10 curry leaves

2 tbsp oil or ghee

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Base
Heat oil or ghee in a pan or kadhai.

Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

Add urad dal, chana dal, and fry until golden (optional but adds crunch).

Toss in curry leaves, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.

Step 2: Sauté the Masala
Add onions and cook till they turn soft and lightly golden.

Stir in the turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well.

Add the chopped or pureed tomatoes and salt. Cook until oil separates and the masala thickens (about 8–10 minutes).

Step 3: Combine with Rice
Add the cooled, cooked rice to the masala and gently mix to coat every grain.

Sprinkle garam masala or sambar powder, and mix again.

Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes on low flame to absorb flavors.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Turn off the heat and add fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Serve hot with papad, raita, or a simple curd.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pairs beautifully with Boondi Raita, Fried Appalams, or Plain Curd.

Great for lunchboxes or as a travel meal.

💡 Welza Tip:
For extra depth, use Welza Red Chilli Powder, Turmeric, and Stone-Ground Garam Masala to bring out the rich, bold flavors in this comforting dish.