Easy Hacks To Make Aromatic Lemon Rice In A Pressure Cooker

What Is Lemon Rice?

Lemon Rice is a popular South Indian dish comprising rice, lemon juice, peanuts, and spices. Lemon rice is an admirable combination of lemon and turmeric flavors. The addition of peanuts makes it even more satisfying. It is advisable to steam rice at least 2-3 hours before starting with the recipe or, even better, to use leftover rice because this recipe calls for stir-frying steamed rice.

Ingredients: 

• 3/4 cup of raw rice or 2½ cups of steamed rice
• Oil, 2 Tablespoons
• Peanuts, 3-tablespoons (ground nuts)
• Six to eight cashew nuts (kaju), optional
• A pinch of asafetida (hing)
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/9 cup Urad Dal (split black gram)
• A half-teaspoon of chana dal
• 8 to 10 Curry Leaves
• 1 to 2 dried red chilies, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, optionally cut lengthwise
• 2-tablespoons of coriander leaves, minced finely
• 1/4 teaspoon of powdered turmeric
• Lemon Juice, 1½ tablespoons
• Salt as desired

Directions:

 ASIN ID - B01M15JZMK    

• Wash and soak 3/4 cup of raw rice in water for 15 minutes. Add, in a pressure cooker, 1.5 cups of water and cook for two whistles on medium heat. The quantity of water will vary according to the type of rice you will be using. 
• Take the pressure cooker off the heat and allow the pressure inside to decrease. After removing the lid, fluff the rice with a fork. 
• Once the rice is ready, place it in a pan or a plate to cool down. Meanwhile, heat one tablespoon of oil over medium heat in the cooker. Add 6-8 cashew nuts and three tablespoons of raw peanuts. You can even use ghee to roast them.
• Stir fry them until a pale golden-brown colour appears. Place them on a plate.
• In this step, add half a teaspoon of oil to the same cooker. Add one teaspoon of mustard seeds; when they begin to pop, add 1/2 tablespoon of chana dal, one teaspoon of urad dal, and one pinch of asafoetida.
• Include 8 to 10 curry leaves, one dried red, and one green chili. If you do not have spice tolerance or you are making it for kids, then skip the green chili. 
• Cook for thirty seconds. Add 1/4 tablespoon of turmeric powder.
• Mix well.
• Include steamed rice.
• Include salt and fried cashew, and peanuts.
• Combine thoroughly and cook for 1-2 minutes. Extinguish the flame and add lemon juice.
• Let the cooker rest for 10 minutes to cool it off naturally and infuse all the spices and juices in the rice.
• Add some coriander leaves as a garnish and transfer it to a serving bowl.

Tips:

Here are a few tips to make the best version of lemon rice in a pressure cooker.

• Modify the amount of lemon juice to achieve the sourness level you desire.
• Before cooking, prepare the steamed rice 1-2 hours in advance. It will separate each grain of rice and speed up the cooking of the lemon rice. Leftover rice is preferable to make this south Indian dish.
• Instead of fried peanuts, garnish with roasted peanuts and shredded fresh coconut for variety.
• Add lemon juice after the tempering has reached room temperature to prevent bitterness.
• Cook the rice, spread it on a plate to cool, and then mix it in. You can even spread a teaspoon of oil on top to help it cool.
• Adding cashews makes lemon rice richer and crunchier.
• Mint leaves can get added for the mint flavour.
• Garlic can be minced and added for garlic flavour.
• As a light meal, it gets typically served with coconut chutney or onion raita. Because of its delicious texture, this rice is ideal for packing in kids' lunch boxes.

Lemon rice prepared in a pressure cooker gives an authentic taste. Preparing it is much easier and can be made in less than 20 minutes. It gets typically served with raita, chutney, or plain yogurt. You can enjoy the dish as a main course or a lunch box dish. The Lemon Rice recipe is easily adaptable to individual taste preferences and can be made vegan by substituting oil for ghee.