1½cupsRice, I use Sona masoori rice, rinsed and drained
3tablespoonsOil, plus more to mix tomato mixture
⅓cupTomato paste or use 3 medium ripe tomatoes
½teaspoonTurmeric
To tasteSalt
2½cupsWater, divided use
2tablespoonsPeanuts
2teaspoonsChana dal
2teaspoonsUrad dal
1teaspoonMustard seeds
2~3Dry red chilies, halved
¼teaspoonHing
2~3Green Chilies, slit
1"Ginger piece, finely grated
2~3tablespoonsLemon/ Lime juice, adjust as per taste preference
Instructions
Soak the rice in water for at least 20 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk tomato paste in ¼ cup of water to make a smooth mixture. If you are using fresh tomatoes, then grind them into a puree.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a heavy bottom pan or the Instant Pot on Sauté mode. Add tomato paste mixture (or fresh tomato puree). Cook on medium-low flame for 3~4 minutes or until the the mixture thickens and darkens in color.Add turmeric, salt and of water (adjust the water according to the rice you are using). Cook for 8 minutes on High Pressure/ Manual if using the Instant Pot.If cooking in a pot, bring the water to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and cook till the rice is tender, about 15~20 minutes. Let the rice cool for a little bit.
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan, add chana dal, urad dal, peanuts, mustard seeds and dry red chilies. Once the seeds start to sputter and the seeds start to splutter, add hing and cook for 30 seconds.Next add green chilies, ginger and curry leaves. Mix well and cook for 2 more minutes.
Add this mixture into the tomato rice, mix gently to distribute the tempering evenly. Finally stir in the lemon juice and let rest for at least 10~15 minutes for the flavors to mingle. Enjoy!!
Video
Notes
I recommend using sona masoori rice. But you can use any medium or large grain rice.
Use either freshly made tomato puree or tomato paste in the recipe.
Make sure to cook the tomato until fragrant before adding the rice. This will give the dish its characteristic tomato-y flavor.
Leftover tomato pulihora can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days.
Simple onion raita or plain yogurt is a great side dish for tomato rice.