Come the Monday, the first thing that spins in my mind is what to be packed in lunch box??? As I need to pack two lunch boxes with different shapes and sizes along with different tastes and flavours…..it’s quite challenging at times. As lil’M started taking pakka lunch box this year….preparing something that not only keeps her full throughout afternoon but also something which she can eat on her own and most important is something which she likes to eat and come home with an empty lunch box is a big task at times. Allhumdullaih, I can say one thing she is not a fussy about food.
But………………I have got a fussy and picky eater at home when it comes to lunch box….that is my husband. Since the time I started giving him lunch box, he never carried dal, curry and rice separately. I will prepare one pot meals like pulao, methi rice, coriander rice, mint rice, etc. Finding something new to fit in the busy schedule of morning is bit challenging. So I came up with this jhatphat phataphat (instant) tomato rice. This is nothing but
quick and simple makeover to routine tomato rice.
This quick, simple and easy to make office lunch box recipe is going to participate in ‘The Urban Spice Sweet September Giveaway’ at The Urban Spice, where food meets style and travel gets a new destination. You can find me over their as food expert sharing new and interesting recipes to make you more hungry……
Instant Tomato Rice
- 1½ cups cooked Rice
- 2 big Tomatoes, chopped and seeds removed
- 1 medium Onion, sliced
- 2 Green chilies, chopped
- 1 tbsp. Ginger juliennes
- ½ cup packed Coriander leaves
- 10 fresh Mint leaves
- 1 tbsp. Garam Masala
- ½ tbsp. Red chili powder
- ¼ tbsp. Turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp. Lemon juice
- Salt
- 4 tbsp. Oil
- 1 Clove, 2 Cardamom & 1 Cinnamon stick
- Grind and make smooth paste of tomatoes, onion, green chilies, ginger juliennes, coriander and mint leaves.
- In a heavy bottom cooking vessel add oil, when it heats up add clove, cardamom and cinnamon stick. Fry till fragrant.
- Add above ground paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder and salt. Fry till raw smell wafts and oil starts to leave the sides.
- Add cooked and cooled rice. Gently using a wooden spoon stir to combine until rice is well coated with masala.
- Add in garam masala and check for salt. Sprinkle lemon juice and turn off the flame. Serve warm or pack it for office lunch.
- I packed this with some rice muruku, fried green chilies, onion slices and pomegranate kernels.
- You can even add fried paneer when you are sautéing masala for additional taste.
- You can even add fried cashew nuts, if you are in a mood for extra workout.
- If you have time you can even add boiled peas/carrots/potato pieces for extra flavour.
- Soya chunks can also be added for the protein touch.
Rafeeda AR says
This looks so delicious… at least back home, there is time till 8 or 9 to do lunchboxes, here going out as early as 6 makes it so difficult to make a decent meal… 🙁 Lovely pics too…
beena stephen says
Wow..it look so yummy
Sarah Rose says
Wow, can you pack my lunches too because this sounds amazing! I'd just be looking forward to lunch all day – or at least more than I do now XD
Bridget L says
Yep — I pack my husband's lunch every weekday. I'm always looking for new, delicious items to pack for him. This rice looks like something he'd really enjoy. Thank you so much for this recipe!
flourandfancy says
I love all these great flavors in this rice recipe. Thank you for sharing!
Mel says
Yum! This rice looks delicious and I would love it in my packed lunch!
Ruxana Gafoor says
flavor filled rice …looks so good
Willow Moon says
I love the combination of flavors! This sounds like something I would eat.
Howie Fox says
Very cool idea!! But looking at the photos your office must be very stylish ;-))))
Anders Svensson says
This looks very tasty and delicious. My father and brother like this recipe. I will make for both of them. Thanks for sharing great recipe.
Pallavi Pathak says
easy to make while in haste
Spoorthy says
Thank you for sharing. It looks very yummy. Will try it for sure