Tomato Rice (Indian)
Tomato Rice, or 'Thakkali Sadam' in Tamil, is a vibrant and tangy one-pot rice dish from South India. It features cooked rice tossed with a sautéed masala of ripe tomatoes, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices like mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric. Often packed with vegetables like peas or carrots, it's a popular, quick-to-make comfort food and a staple for lunchboxes.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the rice providing the bulk of its calories, which typically range from 300-400 per serving. The tomatoes and spices contribute valuable vitamins like Vitamin C and antioxidants, while the addition of lentils or nuts can boost its protein and healthy fat content.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin A | 45 µg |
| Iron | 2.1 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
| Phosphorus | 95 mg |
| Folate | 35 µg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Tomato Rice is a beloved 'tiffin' item, representing the resourceful and flavorful vegetarian cuisine of South India, often made to use up leftover rice. Its bright red color from the tomatoes is not just appealing but also signals the presence of lycopene, a potent antioxidant.
