Lemon Rice has its roots in South Indian cuisine, where it is cherished for its simple yet delicious flavor. First, it’s made with cooked rice, fresh lemon juice, and spices, making it a bright and tangy dish. This Lemon Rice Recipe is easy to follow and yields flavorful results.
Jump to:
Lemon Rice holds significant importance in traditional meals. It’s often served as a side dish, complementing other flavorful dishes like curries and dals with the Lemon Rice Recipe being versatile and adaptable.
This dish is especially popular during festivals and special occasions. Families prepare it for celebrations because it’s easy to make and everyone loves it! The Lemon Rice Recipe is a hit at gatherings.
Lemon Rice is not just a meal; it’s a part of cultural traditions that brings people together during happy times! For those wanting to try it, following a Lemon Rice Recipe can make the process straightforward.
Health Benefits of Lemon
- Lemons are packed with vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and keeps you healthy. The Lemon Rice Recipe makes good use of this ingredient.
- Peanuts add healthy fats and protein, which are great for energy and keeping you full.
- The spices used in the dish can aid digestion and add extra flavor.
How to Make Lemon Rice Recipe
Step by Step Instructions- Lemon Rice
1. Cook the Rice
- First, rinse 1 cup of basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Next, cook the rice according to the package instructions, either in a rice cooker or on the stovetop. After cooking, allow it to cool slightly before you continue with the Lemon Rice Recipe.
2. Prepare the Tempering
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Then, add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds. When they start to splutter, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds.
- Next, add slit green chilies and curry leaves, sautéing for a minute until fragrant. If you want, add ¼ cup of peanuts, 1 tablespoon of urad dal, and 1 tablespoon of chana dal. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown and the peanuts are roasted.
3. Add Spices
- After that, stir in ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder and sauté for another 30 seconds. This is an important step in the Lemon Rice Recipe.
4. Mix Rice
- Now, add the cooked rice to the pan and mix well to coat the rice with the tempering and spices.
- Then, stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and adjust the salt to taste. This step is key in achieving the signature flavor of the Lemon Rice Recipe.
5. Garnish
- Finally, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and, if you like, some grated coconut. For additional presentation points for your Lemon Rice Recipe, these garnishes go a long way.
6. Serve
- Serve the lemon rice warm or at room temperature. It pairs nicely with yogurt, pickle, or a side salad for a complete meal!
Flavor Enhancements
1. Adding roasted sesame seeds gives a nutty flavor and extra crunch to your Lemon Rice Recipe.
2. If you like spice, adding more green chilies can kick up the heat.
3. You can mix in vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Serving Suggestion
Serve it with cool yogurt, Spicy pickles add a nice kick and enhance the flavors, Crispy papad can provide a crunchy texture to the Lemon Rice Recipe.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
1. Prepare the Lemon Rice and let it cool completely before storing.
2. Store it in airtight containers to keep it fresh in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
3. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the rice in portions. This way, it can last about a month!
4. When you’re ready to eat, just microwave it with a splash of water to keep it moist. This way, you can enjoy the Lemon Rice Recipe anytime.
Cooking with Leftovers
If you have leftover Lemon Rice, here are some creative ways to use it!
Stuffed Peppers: First, mix the rice with veggies and cheese, then stuff it into bell peppers and bake until they're tender.
Savory Pancakes: You can mix the rice with some flour, eggs, and spices to make savory pancakes. Cook them on a skillet for a tasty treat!
FAQs
Basmati rice is typically preferred for its fluffy texture and aroma, but other long-grain rice varieties like jasmine rice can also be used.
Rinse 1 cup of rice until the water runs clear, then cook it with 1.5-2 cups of water, depending on the rice variety, until fluffy. Allow it to cool before using it in lemon rice.
Yes, jasmine rice can be used as an alternative. It will give a slightly different aroma and texture but still works well for lemon rice.
Yes, you can use brown rice. It will have a chewier texture and nuttier flavor compared to white rice.
Yes, you can prepare the rice in a rice cooker. Cook the rice as usual, then mix in the lemon juice and tempering ingredients once the rice is cooked.
Let me know how you like this recipe by leaving a review and follow us on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter
Lemon Rice Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Basmati rice (or any long-grain rice)
- 1 tablespoon Oil (vegetable or coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1-2 Green chilies (slit or chopped, adjust to taste)
- 8-10 Curry leaves
- ¼ Cup Peanuts (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon Urad dal (optional, for added texture)
- 1 tablespoon Chana dal (optional, for added texture)
- 2 tablespoon Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt (to taste)
- ¼ Cup Fresh coriander leaves (chopped, for garnish)
- ¼ Cup Grated coconut (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Rice
- First, rinse 1 cup of basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Next, cook the rice according to the package instructions, either in a rice cooker or on the stovetop. After cooking, allow it to cool slightly before you continue with the Lemon Rice Recipe.
Prepare the Tempering
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Then, add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds. When they start to splutter, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds.
- Next, add slit green chilies and curry leaves, sautéing for a minute until fragrant. If you want, add ¼ cup of peanuts, 1 tablespoon of urad dal, and 1 tablespoon of chana dal. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown and the peanuts are roasted.
Add Spices
- After that, stir in ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder and sauté for another 30 seconds. This is an important step in the Lemon Rice Recipe.
Mix Rice
- Now, add the cooked rice to the pan and mix well to coat the rice with the tempering and spices.
- Then, stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and adjust the salt to taste. This step is key in achieving the signature flavor of the Lemon Rice Recipe.
Garnish
- Finally, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and, if you like, some grated coconut. For additional presentation points for your Lemon Rice Recipe, these garnishes go a long way.
Serve
- Serve the lemon rice warm or at room temperature. It pairs nicely with yogurt, pickle, or a side salad for a complete meal!
Leave a Reply