Easy Lemon Rice Recipe
Why is Lemon Rice Special?
Lemon Rice is special for me because it was one of the dishes I ate growing up. My mum used to make lemon rice when there was not enough time to manage the household and the chores of everyday life. Elumbuchambizha Saadham (lemon rice in Tamil), or Chitranna rice (Lemon rice in Kannada) has the perfect blend of the mild acidic flavour from the lemon, the crunch from the tempered condiments and the heartiness of the rice. All in all, it is a wholesome and tasty dish!
Lemon Rice - The Vegan Delight!
Whether you are planning to jump on the vegan wagon, already on it, or just looking for some vegan ideas, I find that this easy lemon rice recipe fits perfectly into your vegan diet plan. When people think of vegan food, it is still vastly an unknown zone but Vegan meals can also be as tasty as they are healthy. I never realized this growing up, but the food I grew up eating were vastly plant based food and vegan dishes. If I did not have the love for mor saadham or mosru anna like a true South Indian, I would have grown up eating a completely vegan diet without even realizing it! Lemon rice can also be savoured with a lot of healthy side dishes. However, I find that the best side dish for lemon rice is the humble spicy maanga thokku or the mango pickle.
Easy Lemon Rice Recipe
LEMON RICE INGREDIENTS
2 Cups - Long Grain Basmati Rice
6-7 Cups - Water
4 tbsp - Oil
1/2 tsp - Turmeric Powder
1 Big Piece - Onion
2 tsp - Mustard Seeds
1 tsp - Split Black Gram (Ulundhu Paruppu/Urad Dal)
1/4 tsp - Asafoetida (Perungayam/Heing)
1-2 Sprigs - Curry Leaves
3-4 Pieces - Green Chilies, Slit Lengthwise
1/4 Cup - Roasted Peanuts
Salt to taste
2 Pieces - Lemon Juice, Freshly Squeezed
1- Sprigs - Chopped Coriander Leaves
PREPARATION
For The Rice
Boil the water in a big pot.
In the meantime, rinse the Basmati rice thoroughly but gently (so as to not break the rice), until the water becomes clear.
Once the rice is cleaned, put the rice into the boiling water. Let it boil for 15 - 20 minutes until the rice is cooked. (The timing depends on the type of Basmati Rice that you use)
Once the rice is cooked through, drain it with a colander.
Once the water is completely drained, spread it out and set aside so the excess steam gets released and the rice does not become sticky.
You can also cook rice in different ways depending on your preference.
For The Lemon Rice
In a pot, heat the oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds, black split gram, curry leaves, and asafoetida and temper them for about 20 seconds.
Once they sputter, add the onions, peanuts, and turmeric powder.
Satuée them until the onions become translucent.
Then add the rice and salt and mix gently to not squish the rice too much.
Add the lemon juice and mix it.
Lemon Rice is Rady! Enjoy it with a side of spicy lemon pickle or fried fryams.
