Thakkali sadam/Tomato rice is a simple rice dish which can be made in many variations. Thakkali sadam is a popular rice dish in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. The rice itself is very flavourful and tasty, so there is no need to prepare any side dish.

Servings - 3

Ingredients: 

• 2 - 3 tbsp oil 

• 2-inch cinnamon stick 

• 6 cloves 5 cardamoms 

• 5 - 6 cashews 

• 2 bay leaves  

• 2-inch ginger 

• 8 - 10 garlic cloves 

• 2 - 3 green chillies 

• 2 onions 

• 3 tomatoes  

• Salt to taste 

• 1/2 cup green peas  

• 1 1/2 tbsp curry powder  

• 2 cups water 

• 1 1/2 cup washed & drained rice  

Method: 

1. In a cooker, heat the oil. 

2. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom.  

3. Sauté till they turn aromatic. Add cashews, and roast until golden brown. 

4. Stir in the bay leaf, and add ginger, garlic, green chillies and sauté for a minute.

5. Furthermore, sauté onions for a minute. 

6. Next, add tomatoes and mix. Add salt, mix and cook the tomatoes for a minute. 

7. Now, add green peas and sauté well. 

8. Add in the curry powder, water and mix well.   

9. Add washed and drained rice into the cooker. 

10. Mix well, and pressure cook the rice for 2 - 3 whistles on medium heat.  

11. Once the pressure is released from the cooker, open the lid and gently fluff the rice.

12. Serve the masala thakkali sadam with or without raita.   

Note: You can adjust the spices according to your taste and choose any vegetables instead of peas.