Tomato bath is a delicious and tangy rice dish that is popular in Karnataka cuisine. It is usually made with rice, tomatoes, coconut, spices and herbs. But what if you don't have tomatoes or they are too costly to buy? Don't worry, you can still enjoy this dish by using some substitutes for tomatoes. Here are some tips on how to prepare tomato bath without tomatoes.
Why are tomatoes costly now?
Tomatoes are one of the most widely consumed vegetables in India. They are used in various dishes, sauces, salads and chutneys. However, in recent times, the prices of tomatoes have skyrocketed due to various factors such as:
- Seasonal fluctuations: Tomatoes are a seasonal crop that grows well in cooler climates. During the summer months, the supply of tomatoes decreases while the demand increases, leading to higher prices.
- Crop damage: Tomatoes are susceptible to pests, diseases and weather conditions that can damage the crop and reduce the yield. For example, heavy rains, floods, hailstorms and fungal infections can affect the quality and quantity of tomatoes.
- Transportation costs: Tomatoes are highly perishable and need to be transported quickly from the farms to the markets. The transportation costs depend on the distance, fuel prices, tolls and taxes. Any increase in these costs can affect the price of tomatoes.
- Market dynamics: Tomatoes are also influenced by the demand and supply forces of the market. Sometimes, traders and middlemen can hoard or manipulate the stock of tomatoes to create artificial scarcity and hike up the prices.
What can you use instead of tomatoes?
If you want to make tomato bath without tomatoes, you can use some alternatives that can mimic the taste, texture and color of tomatoes. Some of these substitutes are:
- Tamarind paste: Tamarind paste is a sour and tangy ingredient that can add a similar flavor to tomato bath. You can use about 2 tablespoons of tamarind paste for 1 cup of rice. You can also adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
- Tomato ketchup: Tomato ketchup is a convenient and readily available option that can replace fresh tomatoes in tomato bath. You can use about ¼ cup of tomato ketchup for 1 cup of rice. You can also add some water if the ketchup is too thick.
- Tomato puree: Tomato puree is another option that can give a rich and smooth texture to tomato bath. You can use about ½ cup of tomato puree for 1 cup of rice. You can also dilute it with some water if needed.
- Red bell pepper: Red bell pepper is a vegetable that can add a nice color and crunch to tomato bath. You can chop about 1 medium red bell pepper and saute it with some onions and spices before adding the rice and water.
- Beetroot: Beetroot is a root vegetable that can give a deep red color and a mild sweetness to tomato bath. You can grate about ½ cup of beetroot and cook it with some water until soft. Then blend it into a puree and use it instead of tomatoes.
How to make tomato bath without tomatoes
Here is a simple recipe for making tomato bath without tomatoes using tamarind paste as a substitute. You can also use any of the other substitutes mentioned above.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice (sona masuri or basmati)
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- ¼ cup grated coconut or desiccated coconut
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 inch ginger
- 2 to 3 green chilies
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 3 cloves
- 1 inch cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon urad dal
- ½ teaspoon chana dal
- 1 onion, sliced
- A few curry leaves
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
Method
1. Rinse the rice well and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Then drain the water and keep the rice aside.
2. In a blender or grinder, add the tamarind paste, coconut, garlic, ginger, green chilies, cumin seeds, cloves and cinnamon. Grind them into a smooth paste without adding any water.
3. In a pressure cooker or a deep pot, heat ghee or oil over medium-high heat. Add the bay leaf, mustard seeds, urad dal and chana dal. Fry them until they splutter and turn golden.
4. Add the onion and curry leaves and saute them until the onion turns soft and translucent.
5. Add the ground paste and salt and mix well. Cook for a few minutes until the oil separates from the paste.
6. Add the rice and water and bring the mixture to a boil. The amount of water depends on the type of rice and the cooking method. For pressure cooker, use 1.5 cups of water for 1 cup of rice. For pot, use 2 cups of water for 1 cup of rice.
7. Cover the cooker or pot with a lid and cook the rice until done. For pressure cooker, cook for 2 whistles on high flame and then lower the flame and cook for another 5 minutes. For pot, cook on low-medium flame until all the water is absorbed and the rice is fluffy.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with mint leaves and coriander leaves.
9. Serve hot with raita, salad or pickle.
Enjoy your tomato bath without tomatoes
Tomato bath is a tasty and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed even without tomatoes. By using some substitutes, you can still get the tangy and spicy flavor of this dish. Try this recipe and let me know how it turned out for you. Bon appetit!
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