Vegan Tomato Rice: The Ultimate Flavor Fusion!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 medium tomatoes (finely chopped)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 1 green chili (slit vertically)
• 1-inch piece of ginger (minced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
• 7-8 Curry Leaves
• ½ cup fresh coriander (chopped)
• 3 cups water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt (to taste)

Procedure:

• Wash the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
• In a large pot or pressure cooker, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds to the hot oil. When they start to sizzle, add the asafoetida and curry leaves.
• AAdd the chopped onion, green chili, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns lightly golden brown.
• Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. And cook until the spices are fragrant and the raw aroma is gone.
• Add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook over medium-heat until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate.
• Add the soaked and drained Basmati rice to the tomato mixture. Gently sauté for a couple of minutes, coating the rice with the flavorful tomato mixture.
• Add 3 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook for 1 whistle on medium heat.
• If using a pot, cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
• Once the rice is cooked, gently fluff it with a fork. Sprinkle garam masala over the rice and mix gently.
• Finally, garnish the Tomato Rice with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve the tomato rice hot with crispy papadums.

Chef’s Note: You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the rice while cooking for extra nutrition and color.