Introduction
Craving something simple, tangy, and absolutely delicious? Try this Authentic South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe — a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunchboxes, busy weeknights, or festive meals. With the zesty punch of lemon, the crunch of peanuts, and the aroma of tempered spices, lemon rice brings comfort in every bite. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free!
In this blog, I’ll walk you through the easy lemon rice recipe that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive right in!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cooled, leftover rice works best)
- 2 tablespoons oil (preferably sesame oil for authentic flavor)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
- 1 teaspoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 2–3 dried red chilies
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 8–10 curry leaves
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts (or cashews)
- 1 lemon (large, juicy)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Make sure your rice is cooked and cooled. Fluff it up gently with a fork to separate the grains. If you’re making fresh rice, spread it on a plate and let it cool for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Tempering the Spices
In a large pan or kadai, heat the oil over medium flame.
- Add mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
- Add urad dal and chana dal. Fry until they turn golden brown.
- Toss in dried red chilies, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds.
- Sprinkle the turmeric powder and mix quickly to infuse the oil with a beautiful yellow color.
Step 3: Add the Crunch
Throw in the roasted peanuts or cashews and stir for a minute. They add a lovely crunch to the lemon rice!
Step 4: Mix in the Rice
Add the cooled rice to the pan. Gently fold it into the tempering mixture, ensuring the rice gets evenly coated with spices and turmeric.
Step 5: The Lemon Magic
Switch off the heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice all over the rice. Mix well.
Tip: Always add lemon juice after turning off the heat to preserve its fresh, zesty flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness. Serve warm or at room temperature with papad, pickle, or coconut chutney on the side!
Tips for the Best Lemon Rice
- Use leftover rice: A little dry rice works best as it absorbs flavors without turning mushy.
- Adjust chilies: Add more or fewer green/red chilies based on your spice tolerance.
- Use fresh lemon: Bottled lemon juice doesn’t give the same vibrant taste.
- Oil choice: Traditional lemon rice uses sesame oil (gingelly oil) for a richer, authentic flavor.
Why You’ll Love This South Indian Lemon Rice
- Quick and easy (ready in 20 minutes!)
- Light, flavorful, and refreshing
- Perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a quick meal
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- Minimal ingredients, maximum taste!
Final Thoughts
This easy lemon rice recipe is a staple in many South Indian homes and once you taste it, you’ll understand why! Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or just looking for a comforting, tangy dish to add to your rotation, this recipe is a must-try.
Next time you have leftover rice sitting in your fridge, skip the usual fried rice — make this fragrant and flavorful South Indian Lemon Rice instead!
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