Ingredients
To prepare a delightful serving of Lemon Rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Cooked rice: 2 cups (preferably cold or leftover rice)
- Lemon juice: 3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: 2 tablespoons (preferably sesame or vegetable oil)
- Mustard seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Urad dal (split black gram): 1 teaspoon
- Chana dal (split chickpeas): 1 teaspoon
- Green chilies: 2, slit
- Dried red chilies: 2
- Asafoetida (hing): a pinch
- Curry leaves: 10-12 leaves
- Peanuts: 1/4 cup (roasted)
- Cashew nuts: 10-12 (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves: for garnish
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the perfect Lemon Rice:
- Prepare the Rice
If you’re not using leftover rice, cook 1 cup of rice and let it cool completely. Spread the rice on a plate to prevent it from becoming mushy. Leftover rice works best as it is firm and non-sticky. - Heat the Oil
In a large pan or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. - Add Lentils and Nuts
Add the urad dal and chana dal to the pan. Sauté them until they turn golden brown. Then, add the peanuts and cashew nuts. Stir-fry until the nuts are slightly browned. - Incorporate Spices
Add the slit green chilies, dried red chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds until the chilies release their aroma. - Curry Leaves and Turmeric
Add the curry leaves and turmeric powder. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. - Mix in the Rice
Lower the heat and add the cooled rice to the pan. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the rice is coated evenly with the spices and turmeric. - Add Lemon Juice
Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the rice. Sprinkle salt according to your taste and mix well. - Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve the Lemon Rice warm, and enjoy the burst of flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g