Lemon Rice Recipe
Lemon Rice, also known as Elumichai Sadam in Tamil, is a vibrant and tangy rice dish that hails from South India. This simple yet flavorful recipe is a go-to comfort food for many, thanks to its refreshing citrus punch and aromatic tempering. It’s not only easy to make but also perfect for lunchboxes, travel, or a light meal.
📝 Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 1 cup raw rice (or 2½ cups cooked rice)
- 2¼ cups water (if cooking fresh)
- Salt to taste
For Tempering:
- 2 tbsp oil (preferably sesame or coconut oil)
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp urad dal (split black gram)
- 1 tsp chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 2–3 dried red chilies (broken)
- 1–2 green chilies (slit)
- 8–10 curry leaves
- ¼ tsp asafoetida (hing)
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp peanuts or cashews (optional, roasted)
- Juice of 1 large lemon (or to taste)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Rice: If using raw rice, rinse well and cook with water until fluffy. Spread it on a plate to cool slightly. Leftover rice works perfectly too!
2. Prepare the Tempering: In a large pan or kadai, heat oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add urad dal, chana dal, red chilies, and peanuts or cashews. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown.
3. Add Aromatics: Toss in green chilies, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds, then add turmeric powder.
4. Mix the Rice: Add the cooled rice to the tempering and gently mix to coat the grains evenly with the spices.
5. Finish with Lemon Juice: Turn off the heat and squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Mix well. Adjust salt and lemon to your taste.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with coriander leaves if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature with papad, pickle, or a simple raita.
🍋 Tips & Variations
- Use cold rice to avoid mushiness—this is a great recipe for leftover rice!
- Adjust spice level by adding more green chilies or using chili powder.
- Add vegetables like grated carrot or chopped onions for variety.
- For a no-onion version, just stick to the classic tempering ingredients.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy with minimal prep
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- Great for lunchboxes and picnics
- A tasty way to use up leftover rice
Whether you’re a South Indian food lover or just trying something new, Lemon Rice is a must-try. It brings sunshine to your plate with its beautiful yellow hue and citrusy burst. Perfect with a side of pickle and papad for that extra crunch!
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