In a pan add 1 tbsp oil and once it becomes hot add ½ tsp mustard seeds, curry leaves, and 2 slit green chili.
Green chili gives a nice taste to the Thakkali sadam, so do not omit.
Once the mustard splutters, add 1 thinly sliced onions and saute till translucent.
Add 2 chopped tomatoes. Always for tomato rice, the tomato should be more than the onion.
Mix well and add 1 tsp red chili powder, salt, turmeric powder, and garam masala.
I wanted to make it bit spicy so added 1 tsp red chili powder. You can reduce it if you want it less spicy.
Mix well.
Let this cook till tomatoes are mushy. Do not add any water. The water oozing out from the tomato is enough to get it cooked. Cook in a medium flame.
Once this comes to a thokku consistency add the cooked rice.
Mix well gently and evenly.
Drizzle 1 tsp of ghee. This step is optional but highly recommended. Mix evenly
Thakkali sadam | tomato rice is ready. You can garnish with coriander leaves if you want.