Though celebrated on different occasions and feasts, Lemon Rice is a delectable dish that ultimately leaves people with a tangy and aromatic sensation! The creation of this simple yet satisfying meal is the kind of Rice culinary ingenuity of South India, in which rice is being used as the main course while it is being elevated with the addition of zesty lemon juice and fragrant spices.
Lemon Rice: A Flavorful Twist
The way of life rice, as the name itself implies, is the one through which the lemony taste is added to every piece of the rice. The brightness and citric character of the lemon juice make the dish even more pleasing and many mealtime occasions, thus making it an ideal meal for various events. Whether you have a solo menu or are part of a wider spread, lemon rice always steals the show with its brilliant taste and fragrance.
Ingredients That Shine
The unique thing about the dish is its shameless simplicity, having a few ingredients together making the great physical blend. A Russian salad invariably begins with a bowl of cooked rice which, in turn, creates a beautiful background for a wide spectrum of flavors to reflect. Mustard seeds, curried leaves, and green chilies are layered on their job to add richness to the dish, and turmeric powder is used to give the dal its beautiful golden hue. After boiling the rice, I squeeze out the juice from a slice of lemon that ties it all together by giving the rice a bright and tasty citrusy flavor.
The Art of Tempering
Lemon Rice has some components, but one of the most important of them is the sautéing of the spices. This technique, widely applied in Indian food cuisine, helps intensify the flavor of the dish. Using a saucepan, especially oil or Manduri, mustard seeds are added and allowed to break, bringing nice flavors. The tempering process is undertaken next, using fresh curry leaves and green chillies, to add a flavor and smell to the infused oil. For me, texture is very important. So, in addition to the beans and tomatoes, I added peanuts or cashew nuts for their crunchiness and flavor.
Bringing It All Together
Following that, the tempering is ready to be added to the pan where the cooked rice goes, achieving this by rubbing the flavors of the spices onto it. Fresh lemon juice over the rice becomes a ramp, which transmits this taste creation shank into the dish. Tumeric spice brings both color and depth to gravy, while salt is the final addition that ties up other ingredients. Finally, some freshly chopped coriander adds a heavenly touch of freshness to the menu making a spectacular gourmet delight.
Versatility on Your Plate
The diverse tastes and flavors that can be achieved with this dish are another thing that makes lemon rice so amazing. It may be also on a different level as a full meal. It is also common to serve it with different side dishes such as yogurt, pickles, and papad, among others. It enhances the sheer joy of having it with other staple South Indian food items like sambar and rasam. A bowl of lemon rice is equally delicious when served hot or cold or when garnished with fresh mint leaves. The dish is sure to satiate our taste buds with its vibrant flavors and soothing aroma.
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Tangy Lemon Rice: A Refreshing South Indian Delight
Description
Lemon rice, a traditional South Indian food that combines the sourness of lemon and the comfort of rice into one dish is one such example. It is a simple and taste-exclusive recipe that can be eaten with or without attaching it to other meal dishes. It suits perfectly as a light meal on the go or as part of a themed spread. The lemon rice is sure to put a zest into your mouth and the spices will please your aroma.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Tempering:
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add curry leaves and sliced green chilies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- If using, add peanuts or cashew nuts and fry until golden brown.
-
Adding Rice:
- Once the tempering is ready, add the cooked rice to the pan.
- Mix well to ensure that the rice is evenly coated with the tempering.
-
Mixing Lemon Juice:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the rice.
- Sprinkle turmeric powder and salt according to taste.
- Gently mix everything until well combined.
-
Garnishing:
- Finally, garnish the lemon rice with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Give it a final mix and serve it hot.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 460kcal
- Calories from Fat 138kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Sodium 380mg16%
- Potassium 230mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 75g25%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Protein 10g20%
- Vitamin A 25 IU
- Vitamin C 21 mg
- Calcium 40 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Ensure the cooked rice is cooled to room temperature before using it for making lemon rice.
- Adjust the quantity of green chilies according to your spice preference.
- You can omit peanuts or cashew nuts if you prefer a nut-free version of the dish.
