Tomato‑Infused Rice Platter

The Tomato-Infused Rice Platter is a dish that brings warmth, color, and comfort straight to your table. Fluffy rice is simmered in a rich tomato gravy infused with onions, curry powder, and spices, giving it a bold yet balanced flavor. Paired with golden fried chicken and a medley of vegetables, this platter is hearty, wholesome, and perfect for both everyday family meals and special gatherings.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility — you can enjoy it as a complete one-pan meal or customize it with your favorite proteins and seasonal vegetables. With its vibrant color, fragrant aroma, and satisfying taste, this Tomato-Infused Rice Platter is proof that simple ingredients can create an unforgettable feast.

Pour the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and onions into a bowl, then transfer them into a medium saucepan with a light drizzle of oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until the onions soften and the mixture begins to break down.

Once softened, sprinkle in a pinch of salt and turmeric to enhance both flavor and color. Keep stirring often — this prevents sticking while allowing the spices to bloom and the tomatoes to develop their natural sweetness.

After a few minutes, the mixture will thicken into a rich, aromatic sauce. This tomato base is the true foundation of your rice, so take your time — the more depth you build here, the more flavorful and delicious your Tomato-Infused Rice Platter will be.

Once your tomato base is bubbling away, crumble in a seasoning cube for an extra boost of depth and savoriness. If the mixture feels too thick, add just a splash of water to loosen it to a pourable consistency.

Lower the heat slightly and let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally. This simmer allows the flavors to meld together while keeping the sauce vibrant and aromatic.

Before moving on, set aside a little of this rich gravy — you’ll use it later to enhance the final rice.

Before adding the rice, carefully scoop out half of the tomato sauce and set it aside — you’ll use this extra gravy later for serving.

Now, pour the washed and rinsed rice into the remaining gravy in your saucepan. Stir gently so every grain of rice is coated in the flavorful tomato base.

🥕 Simmer Gently: Add about 300 ml of water (or just enough to cover the rice) along with your choice of vegetables. Mix everything together, then bring it to a gentle boil.

🍲 Cover & Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight lid, and let the rice cook for 12–15 minutes. During this time, it will absorb the savory tomato flavors, turning fluffy, aromatic, and richly infused.

By the end of this step, your kitchen will be filled with the vibrant aroma of perfectly seasoned tomato rice.

Place the chicken pieces into a clean bowl. Season with a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crumble in a seasoning cube for extra depth. Drizzle a splash of vinegar over the chicken, then mix everything well to ensure each piece is evenly coated.

Let the chicken rest for about 20 minutes. This quick marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with savory, tangy notes that perfectly complement the tomato rice.

By the time it’s ready, your chicken will be full of flavor and prepared for frying or roasting.

Heat enough oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully lower in the marinated chicken pieces. Fry each side until deeply golden and crisp, about 6–8 minutes total, depending on thickness.

🍗 The goal is juicy chicken inside with a beautifully crunchy, golden exterior.

When done, transfer the fried chicken onto a plate lined with paper towels. This step drains away excess oil while the chicken rests, keeping it crisp without being greasy.