Authentic South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe
15 minutes
918 reads

About Authentic South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe
This vibrant and tangy South Indian Lemon Rice recipe is a quick and easy delight, perfect for a simple weeknight meal or a flavorful side dish. A staple in South Indian restaurants, this recipe captures the essence of the dish with its bright lemon zest and aromatic spices.Made with minimal ingredients, including fragrant mustard seeds, crunchy peanuts, and warming ginger, this lemon rice is incredibly versatile. Serve it hot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – it's guaranteed to become a family favorite.The refreshing citrus notes perfectly complement the subtle spice blend, offering a delightful balance of flavors. Follow this recipe for an authentic taste of South India, ready in under 15 minutes!
Recipe Time & More
Prep5 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Total15 minutes
Ingredients
Rice and Liquids
- 2 cup Basmati Rice cooked, preferably steamed
- 1/4 cup Water for cooking rice, if needed
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 Lemon for zest
Spices and Aromatics
- 1 tbsp Oil vegetable or coconut oil preferred
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds black
- 2 Chilies slit, green
- 1/4 tsp Ginger finely chopped
- 7 leaves Curry Leaves
- 1 tbsp Fenugreek Leaves kasuri methi, dried
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder haldi
- 1 pinch Asafoetida hing
Instructions
Prepare the Rice
- Cook basmati rice according to package directions, preferably steaming for best results. Set aside to cool slightly.
Temper the Spices
- Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
Sauté Aromatics
- Add green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, and fenugreek leaves. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Peanuts and Spices
- Stir in the peanuts and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add turmeric powder and asafoetida, mixing well to combine.
Combine with Rice
- Add the cooked rice to the pan. Mix thoroughly to coat the rice with the spice mixture.
Finish and Serve
- Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with salt to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring gently, to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Perfect Lemon Rice
- For a richer flavor, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
- If you prefer a spicier lemon rice, add more green chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Toasted peanuts add a delightful crunch. Toast them lightly in a dry pan before adding to the recipe.
- Serve this delicious lemon rice with coconut chutney or raita for a complete and satisfying meal.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 659kcalCarbohydrates: 108gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10.8gSodium: 3420mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2g
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I’m in love with this recipe already!
This looks delightful! Thanks for the recipe.
I’m eager to make this recipe!
I’m in love with this recipe already!