Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Tempering Base

   Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds and let them crackle.

2. 2.Add Aromatics

   Add the dried red chillies and curry leaves to the hot oil and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

3. 3.Roast Dals and Peanuts

   Add peanuts, chana dal, and urad dal to the pan. Sauté on a medium flame, stirring continuously, until they turn golden brown and crunchy.

4. 4.Sauté Onions and Chillies

   Add the chopped onions and green chillies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.

5. 5.Add Spices

   Lower the flame and add turmeric powder and salt. Mix everything well to combine.

6. 6.Add Cooked Rice

   Add the pre-cooked and cooled rice to the pan with the tempering.

7. 7.Add Lemon Juice

   Turn off the heat. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the rice. Adding lemon juice off the heat prevents the dish from turning bitter.

8. 8.Mix Gently

   Gently mix the rice with the tempering until all the grains are evenly coated with the spices and have turned a light yellow color. Be careful not to break the rice grains.

9. 9.Garnish and Finish

   Add a generous amount of fresh, chopped coriander leaves and give it a final mix.

10. 10.Serve

    Transfer the lemon rice to a serving bowl. Garnish with a lemon slice and serve hot.