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Vegan Rice
Lavanya

Authentic South Indian Lemon Rice

A tangy, crunchy, and aromatic 15-minute rice dish made with fresh lemon juice, tempered spices, and roasted peanuts. Perfect for lunch boxes!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 person
Course: Main Course, Variety Rice
Cuisine: south indian
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Tempering:
  • 2 tbsp Oil Gingelly or Peanut oil preferred
  • 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
  • 1 tsp Chana Dal
  • 1 tsp Urad Dal
  • 2 tbsp Raw Peanuts
  • 2 Dried Red Chillies
  • 2 Green Chillies Slit
  • 1 inch Ginger Finely chopped
  • 1 sprig Curry Leaves
  • The Base:
  • 2 cups Cooked Rice Cooled
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Asafoetida Hing
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice

Method
 

  1. Step 1: In a wide bowl, spread the cooked rice and add 1 tsp of oil. Gently mix so the grains stay separate.
  2. Step 2: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  3. Step 3: Add chana dal, urad dal, and peanuts. Sauté until they turn golden brown and crunchy.
  4. Step 4: Add red chillies, green chillies, ginger, and curry leaves. Sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Lower the flame. Add turmeric powder and hing. Turn off the stove.
  6. Step 6: Immediately add the lemon juice and salt. Pour this mixture over the rice.
  7. Step 7: Gently fold the mixture into the rice until it is evenly coated and yellow. Garnish with coriander.

Notes

Pro-Tips

  • The "No-Heat" Rule: Always turn off the heat before adding lemon juice. Boiling lemon juice makes the rice taste bitter.
  • Rice Variety: While Sona Masuri is traditional, Basmati works great for a festive look. Ensure it is 100% cooled before mixing.
  • Storage: Lemon rice is one of the few dishes that actually tastes better after 2 hours as the flavors soak into the rice!
"This recipe uses 2 cups of cooked rice, which is perfect for 2 adults or 1 adult and 2 kids' lunch boxes." This clarifies the quantity for the reader immediately!