Lemon Rice

My Patti’s lemon rice is a flavorful and tangy dish that is perfect for the summer. Fresh lemon juice, fried nuts, aromatic herbs, and spices combined to give steamed rice an amazing flavor. The nuts add a crunch for the perfect rice dish texture. A simple recipe to add to your family’s dinner table with a beautiful yellow hue. This simple south Indian dish brings back so many of my childhood summer memories. This was a staple in our lunch boxes during our family summer trips.

Serving Size: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup of basmati rice

• 3/4 cup of oil

• 1/4 cup of lemon juice

• 6 green Thai chilies

• 1/3 cup of peanuts

• 1/3 cup of cilantro

• 1/4 cup of curry leaves

• 2 tbsp. of urad dal (black gram)

• 2 tbsp. of chana dal (split chickpea lentil)

• 1 1/2 tbsp. of sesame seeds

• 1/2 tbsp. of turmeric powder

• 1/2 tbsp. of mustard seeds

• 1/2 tbsp. of salt

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Steps:

Preparation

1. Cook 1 1/2 cup of basmati rice.

2. Soak 2 tbsp. of chana dal (split chickpea lentil) for 30 minutes.

Tadka:

1. Using a small pot, add 3/4 cup of oil over medium to high heat.

2. Add 1/3 cup of peanuts to the hot oil and let it saute for 2 minutes

3. Add in 1/2 tbsp. of mustard seeds and let them pop. Then, add 2 tbsp. of urad dal (black gram), 2 tbsp. of the soaked chana dal, 1 1/2 tbsp. of sesame seeds, 6 green Thai chilies (halved), 1/2 tbsp. of turmeric powder, and saute for 2 minutes

4. To finish off, add in 1/3 cup of roughly chopped cilantro and 1/4 cup of curry leaves.

Rice:

1. Add the tadka to the cooked basmati rice and mix well.

2. Finish off by adding 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 tbsp. of salt (season to taste).

3. It’s ready to be served!