Zesty & Easy: How To Make The Perfect Lemon Rice

If you're looking for a quick, flavorful, and comforting South Indian dish, lemon rice is your go-to! With its tangy punch, aromatic spices, and golden hue, it’s a vibrant meal that turns simple rice into a flavor-packed delight. Whether it’s a lunchbox fix, a side dish, or a quick dinner option, this recipe never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

2 cups cooked rice (preferably cooled)
2 tbsp oil (sesame or regular)
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp urad dal (split black gram)
1 tsp chana dal (Bengal gram)
2 green chilies (slit)
1 dried red chili
1 sprig curry leaves
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
Salt to taste
Juice of 1 large lemon
A handful of roasted peanuts (for crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Tempering
Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add urad dal, chana dal, red chili, and green chilies. Sauté till the dals turn golden.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics
Toss in curry leaves and turmeric. Give it a quick stir—this releases all the lovely aroma.

Step 3: Mix in the Rice
Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix gently to coat the grains with the spiced oil.

Step 4: Add Lemon & Crunch
Turn off the heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the rice. Add roasted peanuts and mix again. Taste and adjust salt.

Tips for the Best Lemon Rice:

Use day-old rice for a non-sticky texture.
Adjust lemon juice depending on how tangy you like it.
Garnish with coriander leaves for a fresh kick.
Serve with pickle or papad for that extra yum!

Lemon rice is simplicity at its best—ready in minutes, bursting with flavor, and super comforting. It’s a classic that never goes out of style. Make it once, and you’ll be hooked!