Zesty South Indian Lemon Rice a Taste of Sunshine
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a taste of sunshine? Then this lemon rice recipe is for you. It's bright, zesty and seriously addictive. Honestly, once you try it, you'll be making it all the time!
Brief Overview
Lemon rice , or chitranna recipe as it is sometimes known, is a South Indian classic. It's simple, quick and bursting with flavour.
This easy vegetarian rice recipe takes only 35 minutes. This recipe makes 4 servings of indian lemon rice . It is perfect for a light lunch.
Main Benefits
This lemon rice is not only delicious, but also packed with flavour. It's a great source of energy from the basmati rice , plus vitamin C.
The lemon rice tadka is a fantastic easy lunch recipe . This dish shines as a vibrant side dish recipe . It is especially good for a summer picnic.
What You'll Need for this Sunshine Dish
Ready to gather your ingredients? Let's talk about what makes this indian vegetarian dish sing. First, you'll need cooked basmati rice .
Day-old rice is your best friend here, trust me. It keeps the dish from becoming mushy. We're going to be using lemon recipes with fresh lemon juice.
The aroma will fill your kitchen! You will need your lemon rice ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon urad dal
- 1 teaspoon chana dal
- 1/4 cup raw peanuts
- 1 green chilli, finely chopped
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
From My Kitchen to Yours
I first had lemon rice at my friend Priya's house. It was love at first bite! Priya is from Chennai and lemon rice is comfort food for her.
She shared her family's lemon rice recipe , and I have been making it ever since. It’s my go-to dish when I need a quick and tasty lunch recipe .
Give it a whirl; it is one of my favourite quick recipes . It is great for weeknight dinners .
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this sunshine in a bowl lemon rice recipe ! This is a classic dish, and I promise it's easier than you think.
Whether you are thinking about easy lunch recipes , this will be a good choice. Plus, this is also an amazing example from the south indian recipes cuisine! I've made it countless times, and it always brings a smile.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice (about 400g ). Day-old rice is your best friend here.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ( 30ml ).
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds ( 5ml ).
- 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black lentils) ( 5ml ).
- 1 teaspoon chana dal (split chickpeas) ( 5ml ).
- 1/4 cup raw peanuts ( 60ml ).
- 1 green chilli, finely chopped (to taste). This helps the indian lemon rice flavor.
- 1 inch ginger, grated ( 2.5cm ).
- 1 sprig curry leaves (about 10-12 leaves).
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder ( 1.25ml ).
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing) ( 1.25ml ). I always add this for a bit more punch!.
- Juice of 2 large lemons (about 1/4 cup or 60ml ). Trust me, you can never go wrong with lemon recipes .
- Salt to taste.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (coriander) for garnish ( 30ml ).
For the best flavor in this rice dish , I always use high-quality basmati rice recipes . For the lemon rice tadka , quality really shines through, you know?
Seasoning Notes
Think of spices as your best pals. Mustard seeds give that initial pop. Urad and chana dal add a lovely nutty flavor to the recipe.
Turmeric gives that beautiful yellow colour. If you don't have asafoetida, don't sweat it!. You can omit it. For substitutions, if you are thinking about a vegan rice recipes , remember to check that the oil is plant based.
Equipment Needed
You seriously don't need a fancy kitchen to make a great lemon rice recipe .
- Large skillet or wok. This is where the magic happens.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Accuracy is key.
Honestly, my trusty old skillet has seen better days, but it gets the job done. If you don't have a wok, a large frying pan is perfect.
And that’s all you need to have some tasty indian vegetarian cuisine. Many of my favourite rice recipes were made here!.
This recipe it's also perfect if you are thinking about quick recipes or even 30-minute meals for weeknight dinners !
Alright, let's dive into making some Zesty South Indian Lemon Rice ! It’s sunshine in a bowl. This rice dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a vibrant side dish .
I am so excited to show you one of my favorite indian vegetarian recipes.
Prep Like a Pro for the Best Lemon Rice
First up, the mise en place . This sounds fancy, but just means getting everything ready. Cook your basmati rice a day ahead.
Trust me, it makes a difference. Day-old rice is less sticky. Measure out your spices. Chop your chilli and ginger.
Juice those lemons. Organization is key! This is one of the easy lunch recipes I make.
Safety first : There aren't any major hazards here. Just watch that hot oil!
Cooking Lemon Rice step-by-step
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds. Wait for them to splutter.
- Toss in 1 teaspoon of urad dal and 1 teaspoon of chana dal. Sauté until golden brown, about 2- 3 minutes .
- Add 1/4 cup of peanuts. Sauté until they're golden. Then, add 1 chopped green chilli , 1 inch of grated ginger, and 1 sprig of curry leaves. Sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida, if using. Sauté for a few seconds. Be careful not to burn the spices!
- Add 2 cups of cooked rice. Pour in the juice of 2 lemons and add salt to taste. Gently mix it all together. The rice should be well coated with the lemon rice tadka .
- Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro. Serve warm. This is such a great vegan rice recipes option.
Pro Tips for Awesome Lemon Rice
Want to really nail this lemon rice recipe ? Don’t overcook the dals. Golden brown, not burnt, you know? Taste as you go! Add more lemon juice or salt until it suits your preference.
My grandma taught me to be gentle when mixing. Avoid mashing the rice. It's one of those quick recipes everyone needs.
It is also one of the south indian recipes I grew up with. I am a fan of the lemon rice ingredients .
Common mistake? Burning the spices! Keep the heat low and stir constantly. Want to make it ahead? The tempering can be made in advance and stored in the fridge.
Just add it to the rice when you're ready to serve. This is a perfect 30-minute meals . This is one of the rice recipes you can enjoy.
It is also one of the best rice recipes .
Honestly, this indian cuisine is so versatile. You can use any long grain rice, but basmati rice recipes works best. Now go and make some incredible lemon rice .
Recipe Notes: Your Secret Weapons
Hey there, fellow food lovers! Ready to take your lemon rice recipe to the next level? These notes are like little cheat codes.
They'll help you nail it every single time. Honestly, this easy lunch recipe will become your new best friend.
Serving Suggestions: Let's Plate it Up!
Presentation matters, right? Think about how your rice dish looks. A simple garnish of fresh cilantro does wonders. You know, a sprig or two can make it look super fancy.
Serve this vegetarian recipe with a side of raita. That cool yogurt dip is the perfect contrast. Papadums add a nice crunch.
It's a classic indian vegetarian pairing.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! Refrigerate your lemon rice in an airtight container. It will last for 2-3 days . Reheat it gently in the microwave.
Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Freezing isn't really recommended. The texture of the rice can change.
Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen
Want to mix things up? Try adding some veggies! Peas or carrots would be great. For a vegan rice recipe , just make sure your oil is plant based.
Ditch the asafoetida if you're unsure about its vegan status. If you are not a Vegan you can consider adding fried eggs on top when serving.
Craving something spicier? Toss in a pinch of red chilli powder. This indian cuisine is very flexible. These south indian recipes are adaptable to your liking.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This healthy recipe isn't just delicious. It's good for you too! It's relatively low in fat and packed with carbs for energy.
Lemon adds a boost of Vitamin C. Peanuts provide protein. Remember that this recipe is gluten-free , and you can make it even healthier by using brown basmati rice recipes
Okay, so there you have it! Some of my favourite tips and tricks. I've cooked this lemon rice recipe so many times, and these notes always come in handy.
Now go on, give it a go. Let me know how your quick recipes and 30-minute meals turn out! You’ve got this! Make this one-pot recipes your new go-to weeknight dinners and your ideal choice from rice recipes .
Enjoy this comfort food !
Frequently Asked Questions
My lemon rice is always mushy! What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded mushy rice! The secret weapon against this is using day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist. Also, be gentle when mixing in the lemon juice and tempering, like you're handling delicate china. Over mixing will break the grains down.
Can I make this lemon rice recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This South Indian Lemon Rice is naturally vegan friendly as long as you ensure the oil you are using is plant based. Asafoetida (hing) is sometimes debated, so check your brand if you are very strict. Otherwise, you're good to go!
How long does lemon rice last, and how should I store it?
Lemon rice is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ensure it cools down completely before refrigerating, though!
When reheating, you might want to sprinkle a little water over it to prevent it from drying out, especially if you're using a microwave.
I don't have all the ingredients for this lemon rice recipe, are there any substitutions I can make?
No worries, mate! If you can't find urad dal or chana dal, you can simply omit them or add a few extra peanuts for texture. If you are missing asafoetida (hing), don't sweat it it adds a distinctive flavour, but the dish will still taste brilliant without it.
You can use any long grain rice if you don't have basmati, but basmati's flavour is preferable.
Can I make lemon rice ahead of time?
While lemon rice is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare certain components ahead of time. You can cook the rice a day in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also prepare the tempering base (spices, lentils, nuts) a few hours ahead, just keep it covered.
Then, when you're ready to serve, simply combine everything with the lemon juice and heat through!
How do I adjust the sourness of my lemon rice? I found it a little too tart!
Finding the perfect balance of sourness is key! If you find your lemon rice too tart, a pinch of sugar or a touch more salt can help mellow out the acidity. Alternatively, you can add a dollop of plain yogurt (raita) on the side when serving to balance the flavours on your plate.
Taste as you go and adjust to your liking, everyone's lemon preferences are unique!
Zesty South Indian Lemon Rice A Taste Of Sunshin
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | Varies depending on ingredients used |