Lemon rice, also known as Chitranna in South India, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that transforms ordinary rice into a delightful culinary experience. This simple recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying side dish, or even a quick and refreshing meal on its own. The zesty tang of lemon juice combined with aromatic spices creates a taste explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.
Who is this Recipe For?
This Lemon Rice recipe is perfect for a variety of people and situations:
- Lovers of Simple and Flavorful Dishes: If you’re looking for a way to elevate plain rice with a burst of tangy and aromatic flavors, this recipe is ideal. It’s a simple dish but packs a punch with minimal effort.
- Lunchbox Packers: This recipe is great for packing a light and refreshing lunch. It’s easy to transport and doesn’t require reheating, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Fans of South Indian Cuisine: If you enjoy the vibrant flavors of South Indian food, this lemon rice recipe is a great introduction. It’s a classic dish with a delightful balance of tang, spice, and aroma.
- Vegetarians and Vegans: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be easily made vegan by omitting the ghee (if using) and substituting a plant-based oil.
- Time-Constrained Cooks: With readily available ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe is perfect for those who want a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Overall, this Lemon Rice recipe is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that can be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates a flavorful and easy-to-make meal.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
The beauty of lemon rice lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Here are some ways to swap ingredients and add variations to personalize your lemon rice experience:
- Rice Variations: While basmati rice is traditional, you can use other long-grain varieties like jasmine rice or even brown rice for a more fiber-rich option.
- Nutty Delights: Swap the cashews or peanuts for other nuts like almonds or chopped pistachios for a different textural and flavor experience.
- Spice it Up (or Down): For a milder version, reduce the green chilies or omit them altogether. To crank up the heat, add a pinch of red chili powder along with the turmeric.
- Vegetable Bonanza: Incorporate chopped vegetables like peas, carrots, or chopped bell peppers into the tadka for added color, texture, and nutrients.
- Coconut Connection: For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of grated coconut or coconut flakes to the tadka while frying the cashews or peanuts.
- Lemony Twist: Experiment with different citrus juices! Lime juice can add a slightly more tart flavor, while orange juice can introduce a hint of sweetness.
- Fresh Herb Fiesta: For an extra layer of freshness, add chopped mint leaves or chopped dill along with the cilantro for the garnish.
- Vegan Delight: Make this recipe vegan by substituting vegetable oil for ghee and omitting the cashews or peanuts if using.
No matter how you choose to personalize your lemon rice, the core flavors of lemon and aromatic spices will always shine through. So, have fun experimenting and discover your perfect version of this tangy and delightful dish!
Ingredients(Lemon Rice Recipe)
- 1 ½ cups Basmati rice (or any long-grain rice)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¾ teaspoon mustard seeds
- ¼ teaspoon urad dal (whole black gram)
- ¼ teaspoon chana dal (whole Bengal gram)
- Peanuts or cashews (optional) – ¼ cup
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- Pinch of hing (asafoetida, optional)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice (or to taste)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (coriander leaves) for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice and cook it according to package instructions or your preferred method. You can use a rice cooker, pressure cooker, or stovetop method. Once cooked, spread the rice on a plate or baking sheet to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Tadka (Seasoning): Heat oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Once they pop, add the urad dal and chana dal. Fry for a few seconds until they turn golden brown.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: If using peanuts or cashews, add them to the pan and fry until golden brown. Then, add the green chilies, curry leaves, and hing (if using). Fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Incorporate the Spices: Add the turmeric powder and stir well to coat the lentils and nuts. Season with salt to taste.
- Lemon Power: Immediately add the lemon juice to the pan. Be careful, as the hot oil may splatter. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Assemble the Lemon Rice: Gently fold the cooked rice into the pan with the lemon-infused tadka. Mix well until the rice is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste the lemon rice and adjust the seasoning with additional lemon juice or salt if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for an extra pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
For this lemon rice recipe, you’ll need some basic kitchen equipment:
- Pot or Rice Cooker: To cook the rice.
- Pan or Kadai: For making the tadka (seasoning) with the oil and spices.
- Spoon: For stirring the rice and tadka.
- Knife: For chopping the green chilies and cilantro (optional).
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure the ingredients.
- Serving Plate or Bowl: To serve the finished lemon rice.
Optionally, you can also use:
- Strainer: To rinse the rice before cooking.
- Spatula: For gently folding the cooked rice into the tadka.
- Garnish spoon: For adding the final touch of chopped cilantro (optional).
Lemon Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Pot or Rice Cooker: To cook the rice.
- Pan or Kadai: For making the tadka (seasoning) with the oil and spices.
- Spoon: For stirring the rice and tadka.
- Knife For chopping the green chilies and cilantro (optional).
- Measuring cups and spoons To accurately measure the ingredients.
- Serving Plate or Bowl: To serve the finished lemon rice.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups Basmati rice any long-grain rice
- 2 Tablespoons Vegetable oil
- ¾ Teaspoon Mustard seeds
- ¼ Teaspoon Urad dal whole black gram
- ¼ Teaspoon Chana dal whole Bengal gram
- Peanuts or cashews optional – ¼ cup
- 2 Green chilies slit lengthwise (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 Sprig curry leaves
- Pinch Hing asafoetida, optional
- ½ Teaspoon Turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 Tablespoons Lemon juice to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice and cook it according to package instructions or your preferred method. You can use a rice cooker, pressure cooker, or stovetop method. Once cooked, spread the rice on a plate or baking sheet to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Tadka (Seasoning): Heat oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Once they pop, add the urad dal and chana dal. Fry for a few seconds until they turn golden brown.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: If using peanuts or cashews, add them to the pan and fry until golden brown. Then, add the green chilies, curry leaves, and hing (if using). Fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Incorporate the Spices: Add the turmeric powder and stir well to coat the lentils and nuts. Season with salt to taste.
- Lemon Power: Immediately add the lemon juice to the pan. Be careful, as the hot oil may splatter. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Assemble the Lemon Rice: Gently fold the cooked rice into the pan with the lemon-infused tadka. Mix well until the rice is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste the lemon rice and adjust the seasoning with additional lemon juice or salt if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for an extra pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Protein: 5 g
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Food and Drink Pairings
Here are some delicious food and drink pairings for your Lemon Rice Recipe:
Protein Pairings:
- Light and Refreshing: Grilled fish like salmon, cod, or shrimp. Their mild flavors complement the tang of the lemon rice without overpowering it.
- Hearty and Comforting: Chicken curry or lentil stew. The richness of these dishes balances the bright acidity of the lemon rice.
- Vegetarian Delight: Aloo Gobi (potato and cauliflower curry) or Palak Paneer (spinach and cottage cheese curry). These vegetarian options provide contrasting textures and complementary flavors.
Drink Pairings:
- Sparkling Water: The effervescence of sparkling water cuts through the richness of the dish and cleanses the palate between bites.
- Lassi (yogurt drink): This cooling and refreshing drink complements the tang of the lemon rice and aids digestion. Choose a savory or sweet lassi depending on your preference.
- Light White Wine: A dry Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will enhance the citrusy notes of the lemon rice without being too heavy.
Lemon Rice Recipe FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Lemon Rice Recipe:
- What is Lemon Rice Recipe?
Lemon Rice Recipe is a vibrant South Indian dish made with cooked rice, lemon juice, spices, and optional nuts like cashews or peanuts. It’s a flavorful and refreshing twist on plain rice, perfect for lunch, a side dish, or a light meal.
- Is Lemon Rice Recipe difficult to make?
Not at all! Lemon Rice Recipe is a very simple recipe with basic ingredients and a straightforward process. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or anyone who wants a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Can I make substitutions in the Lemon Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of Lemon Rice Recipe is its versatility. You can swap the rice variety, use different nuts, adjust the spice level, or add vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
- What are some good variations of the Lemon Rice Recipe?
There are many ways to personalize your Lemon Rice Recipe! Try adding chopped vegetables, using coconut for a richer flavor, or experimenting with different citrus juices like lime or orange.
- Is Lemon Rice Recipe vegan?
The traditional Lemon Rice Recipe is not vegan because it often includes ghee and cashews. However, you can easily make it vegan by substituting vegetable oil for ghee and omitting the cashews.
