Lemon Rice – South Indian Style
Recipe Summary
- A vibrant and tangy South Indian classic, Lemon Rice is a quick and easy dish made by tempering mustard seeds, lentils, peanuts, and spices, then mixing them with cooked rice and fresh lemon juice. It's a flavorful and aromatic meal perfect for any time of the day.
All Ingredients - Main Ingredients
- Lemon 1
- Oil 1 tbsp
- Mustard 1/2 tbsp
- Urad Dal 1/2 tbsp
- Chana Dal 1 tbsp
- Peanuts 2 tbsp
- Dry Chilli 3
- Green Chilli 2
- Curry Leaves a few sprigs
- Hing pinch
- Turmeric 1/4 tbsp
- Salt 1/4 tbsp
- Boiled Rice 1 cup
Tools You'll Need
- Pan
- Mixing bowl
- Bowl
Don't have an ingredient? Try these swaps
No Curry leaves?
- 1 bay leaf + a pinch of lemon zest — Aroma only — flavor is unique.
No Asafoetida (hing)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder + 1/4 tsp onion powder
⚠ Contains Allergens
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Lemon Juice
Cut one lemon in half and squeeze its juice into a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat Oil
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
Step 3: Add Mustard and Dals
Add 1/2 tablespoon of mustard seeds and 1/2 tablespoon of urad dal to the hot oil.
Step 4: Add Peanuts and Chillies
Add 1 tablespoon of chana dal, 2 tablespoons of peanuts, 3 dry red chilies, and 2 green chilies to the pan.
Step 5: Sauté Tempering Ingredients
Sauté the ingredients, stirring continuously, until the peanuts are roasted and the dals turn golden brown, which takes about .
Step 6: Add Curry Leaves and Spices
Add a handful of curry leaves, a pinch of hing (asafoetida), 1/4 tablespoon of turmeric powder, and 1/4 tablespoon of salt to the pan.
Step 7: Continue Sautéing
Continue to sauté for another minute until the curry leaves are crisp and the spices are fragrant.
Step 8: Add Lemon Juice
Pour the squeezed lemon juice into the pan. It will sizzle and mix with the tempering.
Step 9: Combine with Rice
Add 1 cup of boiled rice to the pan. Gently mix the rice with the tempering until all the ingredients are well combined and the rice is evenly coated with the yellow turmeric, about .
Step 10: Serve
Serve the hot and flavorful Lemon Rice in a bowl.
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