Zesty Southern Indian Lemon Rice with Crunchy Peanuts
Zesty Southern Indian Lemon Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that effortlessly combines aromatic spices, citrusy brightness, and a satisfying crunch from roasted peanuts. This dish is a staple in Southern India, cherished for its simplicity and delightful taste. Perfectly cooked white rice is elevated with the infusion of mustard seeds, split dal, fresh green chilies, and fragrant curry leaves, all tied together with the tangy juice of fresh lemon. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavors, this Lemon Rice is an ideal complement to your main dishes or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal. With this recipe, you'll have a delightful and nourishing dish ready in no time!
3
Servings
217
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
3 tablespoons (none)
black mustard seeds
2 teaspoons (none)
Urad Dal, split white
2 teaspoons (none)
channa dal
2 teaspoons (none)
green serrano chili
1 (minced)
curry leaves
8 (fresh)
turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (none)
hing
1/8 teaspoon (none)
cooked white rice
4 cups (cooked)
lemon
1 (juiced)
salt
to taste (none)
roasted peanuts
3 tablespoons (none)
fresh minced cilantro
for garnish (none)
Instructions
1
In a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, pour in the oil and add the mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Sauté until the mustard seeds begin to pop and the dals turn a light golden brown.
2
Immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the minced green serrano chili and curry leaves, and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
3
Add the turmeric and hing to the pan, mixing well. Next, incorporate the cooked white rice, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients thoroughly enough to coat the rice with the spices.
4
Pour in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle in the salt to taste. Mix again until the rice is evenly flavored.
5
Carefully fold in the roasted peanuts for added crunch.
6
Remove from heat and garnish generously with fresh minced cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
27g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Southern Indian Lemon Rice?
It is a vibrant Southern Indian dish made with cooked rice, lemon juice, aromatic spices, and crunchy peanuts.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include cooked white rice, lemon juice, mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, green chili, curry leaves, turmeric, hing, and peanuts.
How many calories are in one serving of this Lemon Rice?
Each serving contains 217 calories.
Is this Lemon Rice recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is gluten-free, provided your hing (asafoetida) is a gluten-free variety.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 cups of cooked white rice.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice, though it will change the texture and flavor profile.
What gives the Lemon Rice its yellow color?
The bright yellow color is provided by half a teaspoon of turmeric powder.
What is hing and why is it used?
Hing, or asafoetida, is a savory spice used in Indian cuisine to provide an umami flavor and aid in digestion.
Are curry leaves required for this dish?
Fresh curry leaves are highly recommended for the authentic aromatic flavor characteristic of Southern Indian cuisine.
How do I cook the mustard seeds correctly?
Sauté the mustard seeds in oil over medium-high heat until they begin to pop.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Yes, lime juice can be substituted for lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 3 people.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is considered a quick meal as it primarily involves tempering spices and mixing them with pre-cooked rice.
Can I use different nuts instead of peanuts?
Roasted cashews are a popular and delicious alternative to peanuts in this dish.
Is the Zesty Southern Indian Lemon Rice spicy?
It has a mild heat level from one minced green serrano chili.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can this dish be frozen for later?
Yes, Lemon Rice freezes well for up to a month in a freezer-safe container.
What side dishes go well with Lemon Rice?
It pairs excellently with yogurt, Indian pickles, papadums, or potato stir-fry.
How much oil is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of oil.
What are urad dal and chana dal?
These are types of split lentils that are sautéed in oil to add a nutty crunch to the rice.
Can I make this recipe without peanuts?
Yes, the peanuts can be omitted for those with allergies or personal preferences.
Why are the peanuts added at the end of the instructions?
They are added at the end to ensure they maintain their crunchy texture.
How much lemon juice is used in the dish?
The recipe uses the juice of one fresh lemon.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 7g of protein.
What is the total fat content?
There are 10g of fat per serving.
Can I use freshly cooked hot rice?
It is best to use cooled or leftover rice so the grains remain separate and do not become mushy.
What does the term tempering mean in this recipe?
Tempering is the process of heating spices in oil to release their essential oils and flavors before adding them to the main dish.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh minced cilantro is preferred for its bright flavor and as a garnish.
Is Lemon Rice usually served as a main or side?
It can be served as a light main meal or as a flavorful side dish for a larger Indian feast.