Lemon Rice

Variations and Substitutions

This is a typical south Indian lemon rice that certainly could be modified to suit an individual’s taste.

Parboiled vegetables – carrot, peas, corn makes a healthy addition and it’s a great way to up vegetable intake for kids.

Freshly grated coconut adds a lovely flavour and taste.

Serving Suggestions

This turmeric lemon rice is usually served with pickle or spicy condiments such as Green Mango Chutney, Eggplant Chutney and papad.

It is an ideal dish to pack for a lunch box along with a simple side dish such as Bombay Aloo or Jeera Aloo.

Use up leftover rice to make this dish and pair it with Vegetable Pakora for a simple yet delicious meal. 

1. Heat oil in a pan over a medium-low flame. Once the oil is hot, add mustard followed by chana dal, urad dal and peanuts. Stir and fry until chana dal turn light brown and release nutty aroma.

2. Add curry leaves, ginger, green and dried red chillies. Sauté for a minute.

3. Now add asafoetida, salt, turmeric and stir.

4. Add cooked rice, squeeze lime juice and mix well.

5. Finally add handful coriander leaves.

6. Mix until rice is well combined.

Serve delicious Indian lemon rice with any accompaniment of your choice.

Tips and Tricks

Cook rice in such a way that each grain is separate. Add a small spoon oil to the cooked rice and spread the rice on a plate/tray to cool completely. You can use any rice variety – sona masoori, ponni, long grain or basmati rice.

Best is to use leftover rice for this recipe as little dried rice helps in even and easy mixing.

Asafoetida enhances the flavour, skip it if you don’t like it or unavailable near your place.

Notes

Adjust lime juice and chillies according to your preferred sourness and spice levels.

Urad dal and chana dal adds a lovely nutty aroma and taste. But you could leave them out if you don’t have them on hand.

Ensure not to use freshly cooked rice immediately as it could get mushy while mixing. Allow rice to cool and then use it.

For gluten free version, use gluten free asafoetida or skip it.

KEEP IN TOUCH

Do let me know if you try this simple lemon rice recipe. If you like this recipe kindly consider rating it using stars in the comment section or on the recipe card to help more people find this recipe online. You can stay up to date by following me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or subscribing to my Youtube channel. Or why not subscribe to my blog and get simple recipes straight to your inbox?