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Lemon Rice

A quick and vibrant rice dish flavored with fresh lemon, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and roasted peanuts.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients
  

Rice and Seasoning
  • 4 cups cooked white rice preferably Sona Masuri, cooled completely
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed, adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
Tempering Spices and Nuts
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil peanut or neutral vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsp raw peanuts skin-on or skinless
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp chana dal split Bengal gram
  • 1 tsp split urad dal split black gram
  • 2 pieces green chilies slit lengthwise
  • 1 tsp ginger finely minced
  • 10-12 leaves curry leaves fresh
  • 1/4 tsp asafoetida hing
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

Equipment

  • 1 * Pan or kadai A deep skillet, frying pan, or wok works well.
  • 1 Spatula For gently folding the rice without breaking the grains.

Method
 

  1. Place 4 cups of cooled, cooked white rice in a large bowl. Gently separate any clumps with a fork or clean fingers, taking care not to break the grains. Set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of raw peanuts and fry for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until they begin to change color. Add 1 teaspoon of chana dal and 1 teaspoon of split urad dal. Sauté on medium-low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the lentils turn golden-brown and fragrant.
  3. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds to the pan. When they begin to crackle and pop, add 2 slit green chilies, 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, 10-12 fresh curry leaves, and 1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida. Stir-fry for 30 seconds on medium heat until the curry leaves turn crisp.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder to the oil and stir quickly for 5 to 10 seconds to cook the spice without burning it.
  5. Add the cooled rice and 1 teaspoon of salt to the pan. Gently fold the rice into the tempered oil from the bottom up until every grain is evenly coated with the yellow turmeric oil. Sauté on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is heated through.
  6. Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the warm burner. Pour in 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and mix gently. Taste and adjust the salt or lemon juice if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Leftover rice that has been refrigerated overnight is ideal because the grains are dry and hold their shape during mixing.
Adjust the number of green chilies depending on your preferred heat level.