Coconut Tomato Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Flavors

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Coconut Tomato Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Flavors

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful rice dish that’s surprisingly easy to make, you’ve come to the right place. This Coconut Tomato Rice is a staple in many South Indian homes, and it quickly became a favorite in mine too. I first made this when I was craving something warm and fragrant, and honestly, it’s been on repeat ever since! It’s the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, creamy coconut, and aromatic spices. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Coconut Tomato Rice isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly versatile. It’s a complete meal on its own, but also pairs beautifully with raita, papadums, or a simple vegetable curry. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion. You’ll love how the flavors meld together, creating a truly satisfying experience.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful Coconut Tomato Rice:

• 1 cup Basmati Rice
• 200 gms Tomato
• 2 cups Medium coconut milk
• 4 Cloves
• 4 Cardamom Pods
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 3 tbsp Ghee or refined oil
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference in the final flavor.

Basmati Rice: Choosing the Right Grain

Basmati rice is key here. Look for long-grain basmati – it stays fluffy and doesn’t get mushy easily. I prefer aged basmati for the best aroma and texture.

Tomatoes: Fresh vs. Canned & Regional Varieties

Fresh tomatoes are best, but a good quality canned tomato puree (about 300-400gms) works in a pinch! In India, you’ll find different varieties – the desi tomatoes are particularly flavorful.

Coconut Milk: Full Fat vs. Light & Homemade Options

Full-fat coconut milk gives the richest flavor and creamiest texture. You can use light coconut milk if you prefer, but the dish won’t be quite as decadent. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade coconut milk is amazing!

Spices: The Significance of Cloves, Cardamom & Cinnamon

These spices aren’t just for fragrance; they add depth and warmth. Cloves bring a subtle heat, cardamom a floral note, and cinnamon a comforting sweetness. Don’t skip them!

Ghee vs. Oil: Flavor & Health Considerations

Ghee (clarified butter) adds a beautiful nutty flavor that’s traditional in Indian cooking. But refined oil works perfectly well if you prefer. It really comes down to personal preference.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak it in about 2 cups of water for 25 minutes. This helps the grains cook evenly and become extra fluffy. After soaking, drain the rice thoroughly.
2. While the rice is soaking, blend the tomatoes into a smooth puree. Mix this puree with the coconut milk and set it aside. This is our flavour base!
3. Now, heat the ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for a few seconds until they become fragrant – you’ll know it when you smell that wonderful aroma!
4. Add the drained rice to the pan and fry for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. You want the grains to crackle lightly. This step helps to toast the rice and adds another layer of flavour.
5. Pour the tomato-coconut milk mixture into the pan. Add salt to taste and stir everything well to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Resist the urge to peek!
7. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh tomato slices before serving.

Expert Tips

Want to take your Coconut Tomato Rice to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

Achieving Perfectly Fluffy Rice

Don’t overcook the rice! The key is low and slow cooking. And remember that initial soaking step – it’s crucial.

Balancing the Tomato & Coconut Flavors

Adjust the amount of salt to balance the sweetness of the coconut milk and the tanginess of the tomatoes. A little goes a long way!

The Importance of Low & Slow Cooking

Cooking on low heat prevents the rice from sticking and burning, and ensures that it cooks evenly. Patience is key here.

Preventing Sticking & Burning

If you’re worried about sticking, you can add a teaspoon of ghee or oil to the pan halfway through cooking.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation!

Vegan Coconut Tomato Rice

Simply substitute the ghee with a plant-based oil like coconut oil or sunflower oil.

Gluten-Free Coconut Tomato Rice

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your spices are sourced from a gluten-free facility if you have severe allergies.

Spice Level Adjustments: Mild, Medium, & Spicy

Add a pinch of red chili powder or a finely chopped green chili for a spicier kick. My friend, Priya, loves adding a whole dried red chili while sautéing the spices!

Festival Adaptations: Serving During Onam or Ganesh Chaturthi

This rice is often served as part of the Onam Sadhya (Kerala’s festive feast) and is also a popular offering during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Adding Vegetables: Peas, Carrots, & Beans

Feel free to add some chopped vegetables like peas, carrots, or beans along with the rice for extra nutrition and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Coconut Tomato Rice is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving:

• With a side of raita (yogurt dip)
• Alongside papadums (crispy lentil wafers)
• Paired with a simple vegetable curry
• As a comforting meal with a dollop of ghee on top

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What type of rice is best for this recipe?

Basmati rice is the best choice! Its long grains and fragrant aroma make it perfect for this dish.

Can I use canned tomato puree instead of fresh tomatoes?

Yes, absolutely! About 300-400gms of good quality tomato puree will work well.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?

If you prefer a less sweet dish, use light coconut milk or add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end.

What is the best way to reheat Coconut Tomato Rice?

Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

Can this be made in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?

Yes! Reduce the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release.

Enjoy making this Coconut Tomato Rice! I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!