Tomato rice

Every summer we grow tomatoes in our back yard. So that means that our fridge is usually filled with tomatoes if not anything else.I puree some tomatoes and freeze it for winter and the rest use it on a day to day basis. So during these times, I make Tomato Rice often.

Ingredients:

1. Tomatoes   3 big chopped (about 2 cups. I use the Roma tomatoes)
2. Onions       2 medium sized chopped
3. Mixed vegetables   1/2  cup optional
4. ginger                1 inch grated
5. garlic                 3-4 big cloves
6. red chilli powder  1tsp
7. sugar                  1/2 tsp
8. black pepper corns  1 and 1/2 tsp
9. Cloves                    1 tsp
10. Elaichi                   3 (Skin removed)
11. Fennel seed powder   1/2 tsp
12. Salt as per taste
13. Cumin seed powder  1/2 tsp
14. Coconut milk            1/2 cup
15. Basmati rice              1/2 cup
16. Cashews                  1/4 cup
17. Water                      1 and 1/2 cup
18. cilantro leaves           1/4 cup chopped
19. Cinnamon powder    1 tsp
20. Oil                            1/4 cup

Method:

1. Wash the rice and keep it aside.
2. Grind together cloves, elaichi(cardamom), black pepper into fine powder.
3. Heat a big vessel (kadhai or a big nonstick pan to make the rice). Put oil in it.
4. When the oil is hot , put the cashews.
5. When they are slightly pink, add the onions, ginger and garlic.
6. When the onions are cooked add in the ground powder. I prefer using red onions but its just me. You can use whichever is available.
7. Add in the tomatoes and mix. When the tomatoes are cooked, add in the jeera powder, cinnamon powder, red chilli powder and salt.
8. Add the mixed veggies( This step is optional. I like to push in as much veggies as possible. again its just me)
9. Add the rice and mix
10. Add the salt .
11. Now add the water and coconut milk and mix well.
12. Add the cilantro leaves.
13. When the water has come to a boil, close the lid and lower the heat.
14. Cook till all the moisture has evaporated.
15. Serve with the raita of your choice.