🍅 Savory Tomato Bath – A South Indian Cozy Delight

🍅 Healthy Recipes
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Tomato Bath is a zesty and colorful South Indian rice creation that captivates the palate with its sharp flavor, enticing aroma, and appealing look. A beloved breakfast or lunch staple among Karnataka and various southern states, it is effortless to make yet brimming with authentic flavor. Crafted with fresh tomatoes, fragrant spices, and tender cooked rice, Tomato Bath serves as the ultimate comfort fare — both nourishing and satisfying. Whether savored on its own or paired with raita, chutney, or papad, this dish always infuses warmth and taste into any meal.

🌿 Overview

Tomato Bath (🍅 ಬಾತ್) is celebrated for its harmonious blend of spice and tanginess, striking a chord with enthusiasts of both subtle and bold flavors. The dish features succulent red tomatoes as its star ingredient, bestowing the rice with a natural rosy tint and a refreshingly tangy flavor. The tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, sliced onions, and green chilies contributes a rich dimension to the meal, while the masala mix of sambar powder or vangi bath powder intensifies its aroma. This dish is especially adored for its swift preparation, making it perfect for hectic mornings or leisurely weekend brunches.

🍛 Components

1 cup rice (raw or Sona Masoori)

3 medium-sized ripe tomatoes (finely chopped)

1 onion (thinly sliced)

2–3 green chilies (slit)

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1 teaspoon urad dal (optional)

1 teaspoon chana dal

A few curry leaves

1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

1 tablespoon oil or ghee

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

1 tablespoon sambar powder or vangi bath powder

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Cashews (optional, for added richness

👩‍🍳 Steps to Prepare Tomato Bath

Cook the Rice:
Start by thoroughly rinsing the rice and cooking it until it’s tender yet non-sticky. Allow it to cool slightly.

Prepare the Base:
In a pan, warm the oil or ghee. Introduce mustard seeds and let them pop. Add chana dal and urad dal, frying until they turn golden brown.

Add Aromatics:
Incorporate curry leaves, green chilies, and sliced onions. Sauté until the onions become translucent.

Add Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the chopped tomatoes and ginger-garlic paste. Cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

Spice It Up:
Add turmeric powder, salt, and sambar powder. Blend thoroughly and simmer for a few minutes until the masala thickens and oil begins to separate.

Combine with Rice:
Carefully fold in the cooked rice with the masala mixture. Stir gently to ensure the rice absorbs all the flavors without breaking apart.

Final Touch:
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and toasted cashews. Serve hot alongside raita, papad, or a dollop of ghee.

💬 Serving Recommendation

Tomato Bath is delightful when enjoyed with coconut chutney or plain yogurt. It’s an excellent choice for lunchboxes, picnics, or even festive gatherings. The smell of tomatoes simmered with Indian spices permeates your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that no one can resist.

🌸 Nourishing Food, Joyful Mood

Tomato Bath is more than merely a rice dish — it’s a tribute to flavors, tradition, and comfort. Each spoonful embodies the essence of home-cooked affection, making it a cherished dish for both the young and the elderly.