Tomato Rice

For all you rice lovers out there, here is a uniquely south indian mixed rice recipe that is super easy to put together and tastes delicious! All it takes is a few spices, super delicious tomatoes and some rice. And bonus if the rice is leftover from the previous day!

Ingredients:
-  1 cup cooked rice
-  1/2 onion chopped

-  1 tsp tomato paste
-  1 pint cherry tomatoes (my favourite kind of tomatoes) or you could use any kind of fresh tomato.
-  1 tsp urad dal
-  1/4 cup roasted peanuts (optional)
-  1/4 tsp turmeric
-  pinch of asofoetida (optional)
-  1/2 tsp channa dal
-  1/2 tsp mustard seeds
-  few cilantro leaves for garnish

Masala (Spice Blend):
-  1 Tbsp coriander seed
-  1 Tbsp sesame seeds
-  1 Tbsp channa dal
-  2 dried red chillies
-  1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds

Directions:
1.  In a large sautee pan, heat 1 Tbsp oil and add mustard seeds, urad dal , channa dal. When they start to turn golden brown, add the onions and the turmeric and asofoetida. Sweat the onions for a few minutes.

2.  Grind all the spices in the Masala blend in a spice grinder. This is crucial to a very flavourful dish. I'm usually too lazy to grind spices all the time, but every once in a while, I give in .... :-)

3.  Once the onions have sweated it out, add the tomato paste, mix for a bit and then add the fresh masala you made in step 2.  Add salt.

4. Finally, add the rice and mix well and turn off the heat.  Garnish with cilantro.