Rice flavored with sauteed and spiced up tomatoes and nutritioned with grated carrots called as Thakkali Sadam in the south, when accompanied with tomato onion raita and papad makes a great one dish meal. The flavor of mint combined with the spices like sambar powder and garam masala, a combination which is very unique to my family, is sure to awaken your senses and widen your palate.

This dish makes a great luch box for school or work. Its simple and non messy and tasty to eat as well. Send it along with a cup of yogurt and a bottle of butter milk, it has tease your senses for that afternoon.

Makes: 4 servings
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 cup of chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of grated carrots
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• ¼ cup finely chopped onions
• 1 clove of finely chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon homemade sambar powder or store bought
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoon chopped mint
• 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil/vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon ghee (optional)
• Salt to taste

Method

Cook the rice with about 2.5 cups of water until it is soft and grainy. Add the salt to the rice while cooking. Keep aside.

Heat oil in medium heat in a pan; add cumin seeds and mustard seeds; allow it to crackle. Then add onions and garlic and sauté until the onions are tender and golden.

Add chopped tomatoes and grated carrots; sauté until the tomatoes and carrots are tender and water has evaporated and has formed a semi thick paste.

Add sambar powder, garam masala powder, cardamom powder, salt and mix well. Add mint and sauté for a few more minutes.

Stir in the tomato mixture to the cooked rice. Add the ghee to the rice and stir gently.

Serve warm with raita or yogurt.

Note

White serving a child, the rice has to been cooked a little softer based on the chewing ability of the child. Can be giving to children over 12 months of age.