Easy & Authentic South Indian Tomato Bhath Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Are you craving a taste of South India but short on time? Look no further! This easy and authentic South Indian Tomato Bhath recipe is your answer. Perfect for quick, flavorful meals on busy weeknights, this vibrant rice dish, a staple from Karnataka, brings a comforting yet exciting culinary experience right to your kitchen. Forget complicated processes – we’ll show you how to whip up this aromatic and tangy Tomato Bhath in under an hour!

“Tomato Bath” refers to a South Indian rice dish, particularly popular in Karnataka. The term “bath” (or “bhath”) in this context is believed to have been borrowed from Karnataka, where it’s used for any dish made with rice or ground grains.

While it’s a traditional and widely prepared dish, especially for quick meals or with leftover rice, pinning down the absolute “oldest” written reference to “Tomato Bath” specifically can be challenging. Most of the online information points to it being a common, home-style recipe passed down through generations.

The term “bath” is also used for other similar rice dishes like “Vangi Bath” (brinjal rice) and “Kesari Bath” (sweet semolina dish), suggesting a regional culinary tradition.

So, based on my research while there’s no single, easily traceable ancient text that explicitly names “Tomato Bath,” its roots are firmly within traditional South Indian cuisine, particularly from Karnataka, where “bath” dishes are a staple.

What is Tomato Bhath?

“Bhath” (pronounced like ‘baath’) is a beloved term in Karnataka cuisine, referring to a variety of delicious rice-based dishes. Tomato Bhath is a popular variation where rice is cooked with a tangy tomato base and a unique, aromatic blend of roasted spices. It’s renowned for its bright flavor, comforting texture, and ease of preparation, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a hearty breakfast.

Why This Easy South Indian Tomato Bhath Recipe is a Must-Try

• Quick & Convenient: Ready in less than an hour, it’s perfect for those busy evenings.
• Authentic Flavor: Our special homemade masala ensures a true taste of Karnataka.
• Versatile: Great on its own, with a side of yogurt, or as part of a larger meal.
• Uses Leftover Rice: An excellent way to transform day-old rice into something spectacular!

Authentic Tomato Bhath for Busy Weeknights

Ready to get cooking? Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delightful Tomato Bhath.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian, South Indian

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

For The Aromatic Masala (The Secret to Authentic Flavor!)

• 2 tsp coconut oil or any other refined oil
• 6 whole dry Kashmiri red chilies broken into pieces (for beautiful color and mild warmth)
• 2 tsp coriander dhania seeds
• 1 tbsp chana dal split Bengal gram
• 1 tsp urad dal split black lentils
• 1/4 tsp fenugreek methi seeds
• 1/2 tsp asafoetida hing
• 2 tbsp grated dry coconut kopra

Other Essential Ingredients

• 3/4 cup tomato pulp
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder haldi
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or any other refined oil
• 2 tsp ghee
• 1 tsp mustard seeds rai / sarson
• 3 tbsp peanuts
• 6 to 7 curry leaves kadi patta
• 2 tsp finely chopped green chilies
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 2 1/2 cups cooked rice ideally cooled and fluffy

Instructions

 

Step 1: Crafting Your Aromatic Masala Powder

• Heat 2 tsp of oil in a small pan over a medium flame.
  2 tsp coconut oil or any other refined oil
• Add all the masala ingredients (red chilies, coriander seeds, chana dal, urad dal, fenugreek seeds, asafoetida, and dry coconut).
  6 whole dry Kashmiri red chilies, 2 tsp coriander, 1 tbsp chana dal, 1 tsp urad dal, 1/4 tsp fenugreek, 1/2 tsp asafoetida, 2 tbsp grated dry coconut
• Sauté constantly for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until a wonderful, fragrant aroma fills your kitchen. Be careful not to burn them – a light golden color is perfect.
• Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
• Once cool, transfer the roasted spices to a mixer or spice grinder and blend into a fine, aromatic powder. Set this aside – this is where the magic happens!

Step 2: Preparing the Tangy Tomato Base

• In a separate pan, combine the tomato pulp, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix these ingredients well.
  3/4 cup tomato pulp, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, Salt to taste
• Simmer this mixture over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring continuously, until it thickens into a rich, luscious paste.
• Now, stir in the freshly prepared masala powder (from Step 1) and simmer for just one more minute, ensuring all the flavors are beautifully combined. Take it off the heat and keep it ready.

Step 3: The Tempering & Bhath Assembly

• Heat 1 tbsp of oil and the ghee in a large kadhai (or a deep, wide pan) over medium heat.
  1 tbsp coconut oil or any other refined oil, 2 tsp ghee
• Once hot, add the mustard seeds. Watch them crackle and pop – this is crucial for the authentic South Indian tempering!
  1 tsp mustard seeds
• As the seeds crackle, add the peanuts and curry leaves. Sauté on a slow flame, stirring continuously, until the peanuts turn a light golden brown and the curry leaves become fragrant.
  3 tbsp peanuts, 6 to 7 curry leaves
• Next, add the green chilies and chopped onions. Sauté on a medium flame for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onions soften and turn translucent.
  2 tsp finely chopped green chilies, 1/2 cup chopped onions, 2 1/2 cups cooked rice
• Finally, add the prepared thickened tomato pulp (from Step 2) and the cooked rice. Gently mix everything together until the rice grains are evenly coated with the vibrant tomato and spice mixture. Taste and add a little more salt if needed.
• Cook on a slow flame for another 2 minutes, allowing all the incredible flavors to meld perfectly and the rice to heat through.

Serve Your Delicious Tomato Bhath!

Your flavorful, easy South Indian Tomato Bhath is now ready! Serve it hot, perhaps with a cooling side of plain yogurt, a crisp cucumber salad, or some crunchy papad. It’s a simple, incredibly satisfying, and utterly delicious meal that proves authentic South Indian cooking can indeed be quick and hassle-free.

Enjoy your homemade taste of Karnataka! Let us know in the comments how your Tomato Bhath turned out!