Easy and Tasty Tomato Rice with Paneer Pakoda: A Quick and Healthy Treat for Kids

Are you tired of thinking about what to prepare for your kids' lunchbox or their evening snack? Look no further! We've got you covered with this easy and delicious recipe for Tomato Rice paired with crispy Paneer Pakoda. It's not only a quick fix but also a healthy option for your little ones.

Ingredients:

For Tomato Rice:

- 1 cup basmati rice, soaked and drained

- 2 tablespoons oil

- Biryani spices (briyani leaf, cinnamon stick, lavangam, siragam, cardamom)

- 1 onion, chopped

- 2 green chillies, finely chopped

- Salt to taste

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

- Handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped

- Handful of fresh mint (podina) leaves, chopped

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 1/2 lemon, juiced

- 1 teaspoon chicken masala

- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

- 1/2 cup curd

- Water, as required

For Paneer Pakoda:

- 200g paneer, cut into cubes

- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

- Salt to taste

- 2 tablespoons cornflour powder

- 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder

- Oil for frying

Instructions:

For Tomato Rice:

1. Heat oil in a cooker and add biryani spices. Fry until aromatic.

2. Add chopped onions, green chillies, and salt. Sauté until onions turn golden brown.

3. Add turmeric powder and ginger-garlic paste. Cook until raw smell disappears.

4. Mix in coriander leaves and mint leaves. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.

5. Grind a mixture of coriander leaves, mint leaves, tomato, and sombu to a paste. Add this paste to the cooker and fry well.

6. Close the lid and cook until tomatoes are fully cooked.

7. Add chicken masala, garam masala, and curd. Mix well.

8. Add water (1.5 cups for 1 cup of rice). Let it boil. Add soaked rice, adjust salt and spices. Let it boil.

9. Squeeze lemon juice, mix well, and pressure cook for 1 whistle.

For Paneer Pakoda:

1. Mix paneer cubes with ginger-garlic paste, salt, cornflour powder, and chilli powder. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.

2. Heat oil in a pan. Fry marinated paneer cubes until golden brown.

3. Serve hot and crispy Paneer Pakoda with Tomato Rice.

Conclusion:

This easy and tasty Tomato Rice with Paneer Pakoda recipe is a delightful treat for your kids' lunchbox or as an evening snack. Packed with flavors and nutrients, it's a win-win for both you and your little ones. Enjoy the smiles and empty lunchboxes!