Cuisine: Lemon Rice - Popular South Indian rice dish - How to prepare

 

Lemon Rice is a simple yet flavorful South Indian dish made with cooked rice, tempered spices, and fresh lemon juice. It is a popular comfort food and a great way to use leftover rice. The tangy taste of lemon combined with aromatic tempering makes it a refreshing and delicious meal, often served with papad, pickle, or yogurt.

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Ingredients

For the Rice:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cooled)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt to taste

For Tempering:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon chana dal (Bengal gram)
• 1 tablespoon urad dal (black gram)
• 2 green chilies (slit)
• 1 dried red chili (optional)
• 10-12 curry leaves
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

For Garnishing:

• 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
• Grated coconut (optional)

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How to Make Lemon Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

1. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a plate and let it cool to prevent it from becoming sticky.
2. Add salt and lemon juice to the rice and mix gently.

Step 2: Tempering

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add cumin seeds, chana dal, urad dal, and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add green chilies, dried red chili, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds.
4. Mix in turmeric powder and roasted peanuts. Stir well.

Step 3: Mix and Serve

1. Add the tempering to the rice and mix gently until evenly combined.
2. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut (if using).
3. Serve warm with papad, pickle, or yogurt.

Lemon Rice is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for lunchboxes or a light meal!