8 Simple Steps How To Make Delicious Lemon Rice

Lemon rice is a flavorful dish made by mixing cooked rice with a tempering of mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves, and seasoned with turmeric, chili powder, and lemon juice. It's garnished with fresh coriander and peanuts for added texture.

Lemon rice is made by cooking basmati rice and mixing it with a tempering of mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chili, and peanuts. Turmeric, red chili powder, and lemon juice are added for flavor, with salt to taste. The dish is garnished with fresh coriander leaves and can be served warm or at room temperature. It’s a tangy, flavorful, and easy-to-make rice dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati or long-grain rice
•  2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard oil)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
•  1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• 1/4 cup peanuts (roasted)
•  1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing, optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice:

• Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water. Cook the rice in a pot or rice cooker with enough water until it’s fluffy and grains are separate. Allow it to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Tempering:

• Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds.

3. Add Aromatics:

• Add the chopped green chili, grated ginger, and curry leaves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Incorporate Spices:

• Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder (if using), and asafoetida (if using). Cook for another minute.

5. Add Peanuts:

• Mix in the roasted peanuts and sauté for a minute.

6. Combine Rice and Tempering:

• Gently fold in the cooled rice, making sure it is evenly coated with the tempering. Mix well.

7. Add Lemon Juice and Salt:

• Remove from heat, and stir in the fresh lemon juice and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.

8. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• You can add some chopped vegetables or fried onions for extra taste and texture.