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!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0gZ5xvmOAk

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Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Cooking Method: Sauteing

Cuisine: South Indian

Courses: Lunch, Rice / Pasta / Grains

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 4

Estimated Cost: 1

Calories: 350

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

2 cups rice (cooked)
0.5 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp salt
4 tsp oil
2 lemon
1 cup peanuts (as per the taste preference)
1 tsp chana dal
0.5 tsp urad dal
1 tsp mustard seeds
few cashew nuts (as per the taste preference)
2 red chilli (as per the taste preference)
2 green chilli (as per the taste preference)
0.25 tsp asafoetida powder
1 handful of curry leaves

Instructions

Prep Work

1
Prepare rice
Take cooked rice in a wide bowl. Add turmeric powder, salt, and a little oil. Mix well and set aside.
2
Chop chillies
Chop the green chilies.
3
Prepare lemon juice
Squeeze fresh lemon juice and keep it ready.
4
Gather tempering ingredients
Gather all the tempering ingredients, so they’re handy while cooking.

Method

5
Roast the Peanuts
Heat oil in a pan and roast the peanuts until they turn golden brown.
6
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.
7
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.
8
Combine with Rice
Now, gently add the seasoned rice to the pan.
9
Mix on Low Heat
Keep the flame low and mix everything well.
10
Add the Lemon Juice
Finally, squeeze in the lemon juice and give it all a nice mix.
11
Rest Before Serving
Turn off the stove and let the rice sit for about 30 minutes before serving (if you can resist!).