By Suprita Mitter
August 1, 2024
Lemon Rice is a tangy, flavourful South Indian dish made with cooked rice, lemon juice, turmeric, and a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chillies. Often garnished with peanuts or cashews and fresh coriander, it's a perfect quick meal or side dish. The dish can be made with leftover rice too.
2 cups cooked rice 1-2 tbsp ghee 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 tsp urad dal (split black gram) 1 tsp chana dal (split Bengal gram) 1-2 dried red chillies 1-2 green chillies 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
A pinch of asafoetida (hing) 8-10 curry leaves 1/4 cup peanuts or cashew nuts Juice of 1-2 lemons Salt Fresh coriander leaves
Cook the rice and let it cool. It’s best to use rice that is a bit dry and not too mushy.
In a large pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
Add the urad dal and chana dal and sauté. Add the peanuts or cashew nuts and fry. Add the dried red chillies, green chillies, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Add the turmeric powder and sauté briefly.
Add the cooled rice to the pan. Add the lemon juice and salt. Mix well.
Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve the lemon rice hot or at room temperature.