Thakkali Biryani | Tomato Biryani Recipe

Hi Supermoms,

Hope you are well. 

It feels great to be back to sharing recipes with you. I had taken a month long break from blogging to study and also refresh myself. Don't we all need such breaks?

As kids have grown up and are in the crucial stage in their field of education, it has been difficult for us to go on a vacation as a family. It has been 3 years now and I am still adjusting to the new schedule. For a person who loves to travel and explore new places, I must confess that it has been so difficult. 

So, this break was like a breath of fresh air. With this renewed energy, I am presenting this delicious one pot dish- The Tomato Biryani. I actually called it the Tomato Rice . But, after tasting it, my better half was reminded of a tasty biryani he had in Vijayawada during his college days. He was so thrilled with the taste and called it 'Tomato Biryani'. 

The biggest happiness and satisfaction  for me is when the person who eats my food is so thrilled and equally excited with the taste. This recipe is a winner . So easy to make too. 

I strongly recommend you to cook this rice  in an open pot /vessel or best option is to cook in an earthen vessel or Handi (clay pot)  for maximum taste . 

Thakkali Biryani /Tomato Biryani :

Preparation time : 10 minutes

Cooking time : 35-40 minutes

Serves : 4

1 cup = 200 ml cup 

Ingredients :

3 cups Basmati rice ( wash and soak in 3 cups water)

4 medium size  tomatoes ( grate, filter the seeds to get the puree' )

2 medium size red onions ( sliced thinly)

3 green chillies ( cut vertically into  half) ( adjust according to heat of chillies)

3 large garlic cloves ( grated)

1/2" ginger ( peel and grate ) 

salt to taste

To flavour :

2 teaspoons ghee/clarified butter 

2 cloves

1 bay leaf 

1/2 " cinnamon stick 

To garnish ( optional):

1 teaspoon ghee 

6-7 cashew nuts 

5-6 raisins

Method :

1. Heat the vessel with ghee and add the whole spices given under 'To flavour'.

2. Once the ghee is flavoured with the spices, add the ginger garlic paste and after 1 minute  add the onions .

3. Allow the onions to fry and turn transparent .

4. At this point, add the green chillies and the tomato puree . 

5. Let this mixture cook over low flame till the tomatoes gets cooked .

Chef tip : The colour of the tomatoes changes and this step will take around 7-8 minutes over lowest flame.

6. Now, add the soaked rice along with water.

Note : Adjust water quantity according to the type of basmati rice you are using. I added 1/4 cup more water to the quantity mentioned above.

7. Allow the rice to cook over medium flame. 

Note : if you are using an earthen vessel, the pot retains the heat /continues cooking even after you have switched off . So, when the food is 95% done, switch off and close it with a lid. 

8. Before switching off, you can roast a few cashew nuts and raisins in ghee and add it to the rice for more richness. 

Your delicious Tomato Biryani is now ready to be served. I served it with Amla/Gooseberry pachadi/Raita .

You can watch me make this recipe in my instagram TV here .

Happy Cooking ! 

With love,

Masterchefmom