Spicy Tomato Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Flavors & Shallots

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Tomato Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Flavors & Shallots

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This Spicy Tomato Rice is exactly that. I first stumbled upon a version of this when I was a student, and it’s been a weeknight staple ever since. It’s comforting, vibrant, and packed with that authentic Indian spice blend we all crave. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tomato rice isn’t just easy; it’s bursting with flavor. The combination of tangy tomatoes, aromatic spices, and the subtle sweetness of shallots is just divine. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice, and it comes together in under 10 minutes – seriously! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice level to your liking and serve it as a light meal on its own or alongside your favorite Indian sides.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Spicy Tomato Rice:

• 1 cup tomato
• 3 dried red chilies
• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 inch ginger
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 5 onion shallots
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 4 cups cooked rice
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things make this recipe special:

• Shallots: Don’t skip these! Shallots have a milder, sweeter flavor than regular onions, which adds a lovely depth to the rice. If you absolutely can’t find them, you can use a small red onion, but shallots are highly recommended.
• Dried Red Chilies: I prefer using Byadagi chilies for their vibrant color and moderate heat. You can adjust the number depending on how spicy you like things. Kashmiri chilies are also a great option for color with less heat.
• Garam Masala: This isn’t a single spice, but a blend! A good garam masala will have notes of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and peppercorns. The quality of your garam masala really impacts the final flavor, so try to find a good brand or even make your own.
• Rice: Basmati rice works beautifully here, but any long-grain rice will do.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s make the masala paste. In a blender or food processor, combine the tomato, dried red chilies, garlic, and ginger. Grind it all up into a nice, smooth paste. Set this aside – it’s the heart of our flavor!
2. Now, heat the oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and bay leaf. Let them splutter for a few seconds – that’s where the aroma starts to build!
3. Add the sliced shallots and sauté until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Patience is key here; nicely browned shallots are crucial for flavor.
4. Time for the spices! Stir in the turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Sauté for another minute or so, until everything is fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when you can really smell the spices.
5. Add the prepared masala paste to the pan and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly. This helps to cook the raw tomato flavor and deepen the spice blend.
6. Now, add the cooked rice and salt. Mix everything really well, making sure the rice is evenly coated with the spice mixture. This is where the magic happens!
7. Finally, garnish with the chopped coriander and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the shallots. Work in batches if necessary to ensure they brown properly.
• If the rice seems a little dry, add a splash of water while mixing.
• Taste and adjust the salt as needed.

Variations

• Peanut Power: My friend Priya adds roasted peanuts for a delightful crunch. About ¼ cup is perfect!
• Veggie Boost: Feel free to throw in some chopped vegetables like peas, carrots, or beans along with the masala paste.
• Coconut Dream: A tablespoon of coconut milk stirred in at the end adds a lovely creaminess.

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your garam masala blend to ensure it doesn’t contain any hidden animal products.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is also naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild, Medium, Hot)

• Mild: Reduce the number of dried red chilies to 1-2, and remove the seeds before grinding.
• Medium: Use 3 dried red chilies as per the recipe.
• Hot: Add 4-5 dried red chilies, and consider using a spicier variety like bird’s eye chilies.

Festival Adaptation (Suggestions for serving during specific Indian festivals)

This rice is a wonderful addition to festive meals! During Diwali, serve it alongside a variety of curries and sweets. For Navratri, it’s a great light and flavorful option. It’s also perfect for potlucks and gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Tomato Rice is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with:

• Aloo Fry (Indian Potato Fry)
• Raita (Yogurt Dip)
• Dal (Lentil Soup)
• A simple cucumber salad

Storage Instructions

Leftover tomato rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

FAQs

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Basmati rice is my go-to, but any long-grain rice will work well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the masala paste ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Adjust the number of dried red chilies, or remove the seeds for a milder flavor.

What is the best way to store leftover tomato rice?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use a different type of onion instead of shallots?

You can use a small red onion if you can’t find shallots, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Shallots are definitely worth seeking out!

Enjoy! I hope this Spicy Tomato Rice becomes a favorite in your kitchen too. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!