How to Make Delicious and Easy Lemon Rice

Lemon rice is a simple and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch or a side dish for dinner, this recipe is sure to please. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with flavor and comes together in just a few simple steps.

To make lemon rice, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. These include rice, lemon juice, turmeric, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. The combination of these ingredients creates a bold and zesty flavor that’s sure to be a hit with all your friends and family. So, if you’re ready to learn how to make this delicious dish, keep reading for a step-by-step guide!

Gather Ingredients

To make lemon rice, you need specific ingredients. Below is a list of what you need to gather to make lemon rice.

Rice

Choose the type of rice that you prefer. However, flavorsome Basmati rice is recommended for this recipe. Rinse one cup of rice until clear, and let it soak for at least 20 minutes.

Lemons

You need fresh lemons for this recipe. The amount of lemon used in this recipe varies according to the individual’s preference. You will require the zest and juice of at least two lemons.

Spices

For this recipe, you will need some spices such as mustard seeds, cumin seeds, chana dal, urad dal, red chilies, turmeric powder, and salt.

Oil/Ghee

Ghee is used traditionally for this recipe, but you can use oil as well. Pick a neutral oil/ghee that does not have a strong flavor as it may overpower the lemon flavor.

Curry Leaves

This herb has a distinct aroma and flavor that is essential in Indian cuisine. It is often added to Indian rice dishes and is also used in curries.

Roasted Peanuts

Peanuts take the recipe to the next level by adding a crunch. They are roasted beforehand to give them a lovely nutty texture.

Green Chilies

Adding green chillies increases the heat in the dish. Use them according to your personal preference.

Coriander Leaves

This herb is used both for flavor and decoration. It is full of Vitamin C and has a unique lemony flavor when chewed.

Asafoetida

Asafoetida, also known as Hing in Hindi, is a commonly used spice in Indian cuisine. It has a strong, pungent aroma that pairs well with the bold lemon flavor.

Water

Lastly, you will require water. Boiling water is necessary for preparing the rice, and you may need additional water to adjust the rice’s consistency.

Gather all the required ingredients before starting the recipe, and let’s move on to the next step.

Ingredients for Lemon Rice

To make lemon rice, you will require a few ingredients that are easily available in your kitchen. Here is a list of ingredients you’ll need:

1. Rice
2. Lemon juice
3. Oil
4. Mustard seeds
5. Chana dal
6. Urad dal
7. Peanuts
8. Curry leaves
9. Green chilies
10. Turmeric powder

Steps to Follow While Making Lemon Rice

Here are ten simple steps you can follow while making lemon rice:

1. Wash and soak one cup of rice for thirty minutes. Drain the water and cook the rice until it’s fully cooked.
2. Spread the cooked rice onto a large plate and let it cool down.
3. Heat oil in a pan on medium heat.
4. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
5. Add chana dal, urad dal and peanuts to the pan and fry until lightly browned.
6. Add curry leaves and finely chopped green chilies. Fry for a minute.
7. Add turmeric powder and mix well.
8. Turn off the flame and add lemon juice to the spice mix in the pan. Mix well.
9. Add the cooled rice to the pan and mix well with the spice mix. Be sure to mix the rice gently so it doesn’t break.
10. Serve.

Tips and Tricks

Making lemon rice is easy, but here are some tips and tricks to make it even better:

1. Use fresh lemon juice. This will give the rice a tangy taste.
2. Use cold rice. Using hot rice will make the rice mushy.
3. You can use any type of rice, but basmati rice works best.
4. Be sure to mix the rice gently with the spices. Mixing it too vigorously will lead to the rice breaking.
5. Let the rice cool down before adding it to the spice mix. This will help the rice absorb the flavors better.
6. Use a nonstick pan if possible to avoid sticking of rice.

Conclusion

Lemon rice is a simple yet delicious dish that can be made with minimal effort and ingredients. With the tips and tricks mentioned above, you can make it a perfect dish, a great accompaniment to lunch or dinner. Next time when you’re in the mood for something tangy and tasty, give this dish a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Ingredients for Lemon Rice

Making a lip-smacking dish of lemon rice is easy and requires only basic ingredients that you can find in any kitchen. Here are the ingredients you will need:

Preparation for Lemon Rice

Preparation is the key to making perfect lemon rice. Here’s how to do it:

1. Wash and rinse rice twice or thrice in water till the water runs clear.
2. Soak the washed rice in water for 30 minutes.
3. Cook the rice in a pressure cooker or a pot with 2 cups of water, a pinch of salt, and a few drops of oil. Let it cool down completely.
4. Take a pan, add oil and heat it. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds.
5. Once mustard seeds start to splutter, add urad dal, chana dal, dried red chili, and cashew nuts. Fry them on low-medium flame till they turn golden brown.
6. Add turmeric powder and asafoetida and mix well. Turn off the flame.
7. Add cooked and cooled rice to the pan and mix gently. (Pro tip: Use a wooden spoon to prevent the rice from breaking)
8. Add lemon juice and salt as required and mix again.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.

Tips for Making Perfect Lemon Rice

Though making lemon rice is easy, some tips and tricks can help you make a perfect dish every time. Here are some tips you can follow:

• Always use fresh lemon juice to get the tangy taste and aroma in the rice.
• Let the cooked rice cool down completely before mixing it with the tempering.
• Soak the rice for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the grains stay separate after cooking.
• Use a non-stick pan to avoid the rice from sticking to the bottom.
• Add salt and lemon juice at the end to prevent the rice from turning mushy.

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Rice

Lemon rice is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Here are some serving suggestions for lemon rice:

• Serve it with pickle, raita, or papad for a complete meal.
• Pair it with curd and fried savories for a quick and tasty lunch.
• Make lemon rice balls and pack them for your kid’s lunchbox with some veggies and fruits.
• Make it a bit spicier by adding green chili or red chili powder, and serve it with aloo bhaji or masala vada.

Closing Thoughts

Lemon rice is a quick, easy, and delicious recipe that can be prepared with minimal ingredients. All you need is a few basic ingredients and some love for food to create an unforgettable culinary experience. Follow our recipe and tips to make a perfect bowl of tangy and flavorful lemon rice and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills. So, next time when you are thinking about a quick lunch or evening snack, give lemon rice a try!

Happy Cooking!

Now that you know how easy it is to make lemon rice, add it to your list of go-to recipes for busy weeknight dinners or afternoon lunches with friends. Experiment with the recipe and add your own special touch to it. Don’t forget to thank the lemon for its zesty goodness and appreciate how it has brought a new flavor to your rice dish. Thank you for reading, and we hope you’ll visit us again soon for more delicious recipes and cooking tips.