Description
This easy and delicious lemon rice recipe is a tangy, flavorful dish made with fragrant basmati rice, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic spices. Perfect as a quick lunch or a side dish, it combines the zestiness of lemon with the crunch of roasted peanuts and the unique flavor of mustard seeds and curry leaves.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain basmati rice
- 2 medium lemons (juiced)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 10-12 fresh curry leaves
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts
- 2 green chilies (finely chopped)
- Salt (to taste)
- 2 tbsp vegetable or coconut oil
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Then cook the rice in boiling salted water for about 15 minutes until tender. Once cooked, let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes to absorb moisture evenly.
- Prepare the Tempering: Heat the vegetable or coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and fresh curry leaves, and wait for them to start crackling. Then stir in the finely chopped green chilies and turmeric powder, cooking for one minute to release their flavors.
- Combine Rice and Flavors: Gently fold in the roasted peanuts and cooked rice into the pan with the tempering mixture. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the rice and mix well to coat everything evenly. Season the dish with salt according to your taste.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lemon rice to rest for five minutes so the flavors can meld together. Serve warm as a standalone dish or alongside your favorite Indian meals.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness.
- Adjust green chilies according to your heat preference.
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the peanuts if they aren’t already roasted.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it good for meal prep.
- Substitute basmati rice with other long-grain rice varieties if desired.
