South Indian Style Lemon / Lime Rice is a very simple dish that is so delicious and refreshing which can be made with fresh rice or leftover rice!
Lemon rice is a popular dish in South India. It is frequently distributed in Temples as Prasad ( It is a custom to give some rice or dessert or some food for people who visit temples) and it is also commonly made for meals. Any kind of white rice can be used for this dish. It is a good idea to use white rice that is soft and fluffy but not mushy.
What makes Lemon rice so special?
One word – Lemons! The flavor of lemon is so good! This dish is not only perfect for fresh rice, but it works very well with leftover rice too. I generally make lemon rice for weekday lunch, because it is so easy to make and is of course delicious!
South Indian Style Lemon / Lime Rice Recipe:
- Jasmine rice – Uncooked – 2 cups
- Water – 3 cups
- Turmeric – 1/2 tsp + 1/4 tsp
- Oil – 1 tbsp + 1 tsp
- Peanuts – 2tbsp (optional)
- Chana Dal – 1 tsp
- Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
- Cumin Seeds – 1/2 tsp
- Curry Leaves – 12-14 (optional)
- Thai peppers – 4 slit (add more or less as per your taste)*
- Salt – 3/4 tsp
- Juice from lemons/lime – 1/8 cup
- Wash Jasmine rice 2-3 times in cold water.
- Cook the rice with 3 cups of water in a rice (1 tsp), salt and lemon juice to the rice and mix everything gently so that rice doesn’t get mushy but ingredients are mixed well.
- Place a small pan on medium heat, add 1 tbsp of oil to it and let it get hot.
- Once hot, fry peanuts for a minute.
- Next, add chana dal and fry for another minute
- After that, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, let them splutter.
- Later, add turmeric, curry leaves, and thai peppers, let them fry for a few seconds.
- Now add the above seasoning to the rice and serve hot.
*Any kind of hot green peppers can be used. I prefer these because they are much spicier.
** When you’re using leftover rice, heat the rice before adding the seasoning. This will help the salt to blend in well.
Eat Healthy! Live Happy!
Soumya
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