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Lemon Rice
Lemon Rice is a vibrant and zesty South Indian dish that perfectly balances the tanginess of fresh lemons with the nuttiness of peanuts and the aromatic flavors of spices. Traditionally made as a quick meal, it shines with its simplicity and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or using up leftover rice. Serve it alongside cooling Raita and crispy Poppadums for a delightful combination that showcases the essence of Indian cuisine. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also has a rich cultural heritage, often enjoyed during festivals and family gatherings across Southern India.
Ingredients
- Basmati rice
- 1 cup
- Water
- 2 cups
- Oil
- 2 tablespoons
- Mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon
- Dried red chillies
- 2, broken
- Curry leaves
- 10-12 leaves
- Peanuts
- 1/4 cup
- Asafoetida
- 1/4 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon
- Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons
- Salt
- to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice with 2 cups of water in a pan or rice cooker. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and let it cool.
- In a frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and allow them to sputter.
- Once the mustard seeds are popping, add the broken red chillies, asafoetida, curry leaves, and peanuts. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until the peanuts turn golden brown and fragrant.
- Lower the heat and carefully add the turmeric powder. Stir well to combine it with the oil and spices.
- Add the cooled rice to the frying pan and mix gently to incorporate the spices evenly. Be careful not to break the rice grains.
- Turn off the heat and drizzle the lemon juice over the rice. Add salt to taste and mix gently once more to ensure everything is well combined.
- Serve the Lemon Rice hot, garnished with additional peanuts if desired, alongside refreshing Raita and crunchy Poppadums.
Tips
- For a spicier version, add more dried red chillies or a pinch of red chili powder.
- You can also mix in some cooked vegetables like peas or carrots to make it a more wholesome meal.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the peanuts.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Calories: 280 Fat: 15g Carbs: 34g Protein: 7g Sodium: 200mg Sugar: 1g
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