Description
Delightful lemon rice brings zesty Mediterranean flavors to your plate with minimal ingredients. Tangy citrus and fluffy grains combine for a quick, refreshing side dish you’ll crave repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable or coconut oil
- 2 medium lemons (juiced)
- 1 cup long-grain basmati rice
- 10–12 fresh curry leaves
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- 2 green chilies (finely chopped)
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse basmati rice under running water until liquid becomes transparent, then simmer in generously salted water for approximately 15 minutes until grains reach perfect tenderness. Cover and let rice settle for 5 minutes to absorb remaining moisture.
- Warm oil in a skillet over medium heat, introducing mustard seeds and fragrant curry leaves until they start to pop and release their aromatic essence.
- Incorporate finely chopped green chilies and vibrant turmeric powder, sautéing for precisely one minute to unlock their intense flavors and create a golden-hued base.
- Gently fold roasted peanuts into the spice-infused mixture, then carefully integrate the cooked rice, ensuring each grain gets evenly coated with the aromatic spices.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice across the rice, tossing delicately to distribute the citrusy brightness throughout the dish. Adjust seasoning with salt to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Allow the rice to rest for five minutes, enabling the flavors to harmonize and meld together before serving piping hot as a delightful side dish or light meal.
Notes
- Choose medium-grain basmati rice for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Toast rice in a bit of oil before boiling to enhance its nutty undertones and prevent clumping.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice just before mixing to maintain bright, zesty flavor and prevent bitter notes.
- Adjust green chili quantity based on personal spice tolerance for a customizable heat level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 307 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg