One Pan Spiced Tomato Rice

Steps to make

1. 1

   Prepare the rice

   30 min
   

   Rinse the rice thoroughly under running water. Place in a bowl and cover with water. Leave to soak for half an hour.

2. 2

   Sauté the spices

   2 min
   

   Heat the ghee or oil in a large pot or a pressure cooker. Fry the cinnamon, cumin, cloves and bay leaf until they start to pop.

4. 3

   Fry the onions, ginger and tomatoes

   3 min
   

   Add the onions to the spice mixture and sauté until they become translucent. Add the ginger paste and fry for just a couple of seconds before adding the tomatoes, turmeric, and salt. Continue to fry for another 2-3 minutes.

5. 4

   Add the remaining spices

   1 min
   

   Stir in the red chili and garam masala and cook until the mixture becomes soft. Scrape the mixture down from the sides of the pan.

6. 5

   Boil water for the rice

   1 min
   

   Add water to the pan according to the quantity suggested by the packet instructions and stir into the mixture. Taste and add more salt if needed. Bring to the boil. Drain the rice you had left to soak and add to the pot.

7. 6

   Cook the rice

   15 min
   

   If using a standard pot:
   Cook on a medium-low heat until almost all of the water has been absorbed. Then reduce the heat to the lowest level, cover with a lid and leave to cook until the rice is fully cooked.
   If using a pressure cooker:
   Stir the rice into the liquid, then cover with the lid on a medium-high heat until the cooker whistles. Release the pressure, take off the lid and use a for to fluff the rice.

8. 7

   Serving One Pan Spiced Tomato Rice

   5 min
   

   To serve, sprinkle with cilantro leaves and a drizzle of lemon juice.