Tomato Bath- Tomato rice lunch box

Looking for a delicious and easy lunch box recipe? Tomato Bath is the perfect choice. This South Indian-style tomato bath is not just a quick meal but also packed with flavors that make it an all-time favorite for kids and adults. Whether you need a simple lunch or a special weekend treat, this recipe will impress. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this mouthwatering tomato rice lunch box recipe.

 Why Tomato Bath is the Best Lunch Box Recipe?

Tomato rice is a popular dish for its tangy and mildly spicy taste. It is easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and stays fresh for hours. Juicy tomatoes, aromatic spices, and soft rice combine to make a delightful meal. Plus, it pairs well with curd chutney or raita, adding an extra layer of flavor.

 Ingredients for Tomato Rice Lunch Box

To prepare this tasty tomato bath, you need the following ingredients:

– 1 cup of rice (regular or basmati)

– 4 medium-sized tomatoes (finely chopped)

– 1 onion (sliced)

– 3-4 green chilies (slit)

– 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

– 2 tablespoons oil

– 1 cardamom

– 3 cloves

– Few curry leaves

– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

– 4 cups of water (adjust based on the texture you prefer)

– Salt to taste

– 1 teaspoon garam masala (optional, for extra flavor)

 Step-by-Step Method to Make Tomato Rice

 Step 1: Prepare the Rice

First, wash the rice twice under running water to remove excess starch. Then, soak it in water for about 15 minutes. This helps in making the rice soft and fluffy when cooked.

 Step 2: Sauté the Ingredients

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pressure cooker. Once the oil is hot, add two green chilies, one cardamom, and three cloves. Sauté them for a few seconds until they release their aroma.

Now, add the sliced onions and a few curry leaves. Fry them until they turn light brown. The caramelized onions enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Next, add one teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and mix well. Cover the cooker with a lid and cook on low flame for 2 minutes.

Once the tomatoes turn mushy, add one teaspoon of turmeric powder. Stir well and let the mixture cook until the raw smell of turmeric fades away.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Pour 4 cups of water into the cooker and add salt as per taste. If you prefer a slightly drier texture, reduce the water to 3 cups. For a soft and moist texture, 4 cups of water is ideal.

If you like extra flavor, add one teaspoon of garam masala at this stage. Mix everything well and bring the water to a boil.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Drain the soaked rice and add it to the cooker. Stir everything together and close the cooker lid. Cook on medium heat for three whistles. After that, turn off the stove and let the pressure release naturally.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

Once the pressure is released, gently open the cooker and fluff the rice with a fork. Your delicious tomato rice lunch box is ready to be packed or served hot!

What to Serve with Tomato Bath?

Tomato rice tastes amazing, but pairing it with curd chutney or raita takes it to another level. For a complete meal, you can also serve it with papad, pickle, or a simple cucumber salad.

Tips for Making the Best Tomato Bath

– Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.

– Soaking the rice helps in getting soft and fluffy grains.

– Adjust green chilies according to your spice preference.

– Adding garam masala enhances the aroma and taste.

– If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can cook tomato rice in a regular pot with a closed lid.

 Why is this Tomato rice lunch box a must-try?

This tomato rice lunch box recipe is easy to make and incredibly tasty. It takes only 10 minutes to prepare and is a perfect meal for busy mornings. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your kids enjoy their lunch without fuss!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 1. Can I make tomato rice without a pressure cooker?

Yes! You can cook tomato rice in a regular pot with a lid. Add the water and rice, cover, and cook on low heat until the rice is fully cooked.

 2. How long does tomato rice stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, tomato rice stays fresh for up to 6-8 hours. It makes it perfect for lunch boxes and travel meals.

 3. Can I add vegetables to tomato rice?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or capsicum to make it more nutritious and colorful.

 4. Is tomato rice spicy?

Tomato rice has a mild spice level. However, you can adjust the spice by adding more or fewer green chilies, depending on your preference.

 5. Can I use leftover rice to make tomato rice?

Yes! You can prepare tomato rice using leftover cooked rice. Just sauté the ingredients separately and mix in the cooked rice at the end.

 6. What can I serve with tomato rice for kids?

For kids, you can serve tomato rice with curd chutney, raita, or a mild dal to balance the flavors and make it more kid-friendly.

Try This Tomato Rice Lunch Box Recipe Today

Next time you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal, try this tomato bath recipe. It’s a fuss-free, one-pot dish for meal prepping and lunch boxes. Let us know how it turned out for you in the comments below!

Enjoy cooking and happy eating 😊🍽️