If there’s one dish that always hits the spot, it’s Lemon Rice. Tangy, refreshing, and unbelievably easy to make, it’s the kind of recipe that saves your day without even trying.
It instantly takes me back to those busy mornings at home when we needed something quick but comforting. My mom would whip up Lemon Rice in minutes, and the whole kitchen would fill with the bright aroma of fresh lemons and the irresistible crunch of roasted peanuts.
And honestly? It tastes just as amazing packed in a lunchbox as it does when you sneak a few bites straight from the pan.
So today, I’m sharing this simple, delicious Lemon Rice recipe that you’ll want to make on repeat. Let’s dive in!
Other Related Recipes You Might Like:
- Andhra Style Egg Rice — bold, spicy Andhra-style egg rice with aromatic masalas.
- Masala Chitranna (Lunch Rice) — tangy, lemony Karnataka-style chitranna perfect for lunch.
- Mexican Rice — tomato-spiced Mexican-style rice with vibrant flavors.
- Onion Rice — fragrant rice cooked with caramelized onions and mild spices.
- Palak Rice — nutritious spinach-flavored rice with a mild, earthy taste.
- Easy Egg Fried Rice — quick, protein-rich egg fried rice with veggies.
- Tamarind Rice — tangy, tamarind-flavored South Indian rice with a spicy kick.
Lemon Rice
Description
Lemon Rice is a bright, zesty South Indian dish made by mixing fluffy cooked rice with a tangy seasoning of lemon juice, tempered spices, and fresh curry leaves. A blend of mustard seeds, green chilies, ginger, and turmeric adds warmth and fragrance, while roasted peanuts or cashews give a delightful crunch. Light, refreshing, and easy to prepare, this dish is often served as a comfort meal, festive offering, or part of a larger South Indian thali. Perfect on its own or with a side of papad, pickle, or yogurt.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prep Work
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Prepare rice
Take cooked rice in a wide bowl. Add turmeric powder, salt, and a little oil. Mix well and set aside.
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Chop chillies
Chop the green chilies.
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Prepare lemon juice
Squeeze fresh lemon juice and keep it ready.
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Gather tempering ingredients
Gather all the tempering ingredients, so they’re handy while cooking.
Method
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Roast the Peanuts
Heat oil in a pan and roast the peanuts until they turn golden brown.
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Sauté the Dals and Nuts
Add chana dal, urad dal, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and cashew nuts. Mix and sauté till they are nicely roasted.
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Add Aromatics
Drop in the red chilies, green chilies, asafoetida powder, and curry leaves. Cook until the rawness of the green chilies and curry leaves is gone.
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Combine with Rice
Now, gently add the seasoned rice to the pan.
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Mix on Low Heat
Keep the flame low and mix everything well.
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Add the Lemon Juice
Finally, squeeze in the lemon juice and give it all a nice mix.
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Rest Before Serving
Turn off the stove and let the rice sit for about 30 minutes before serving (if you can resist!).
Equipment
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 8g16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
