South Indian · serves 2

Lemon Rice

Leftover rice becomes a proper dish in twenty minutes.

20 min Easy Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
  • 2 lemons
  • 1/3 cup peanuts
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp chana dal
  • 15 curry leaves
  • 2 green chillies
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 3 tbsp oil

Method

  1. Rice should be cool and separate.
  2. Oil, mustard seeds, then chana dal and peanuts until they colour.
  3. Curry leaves, green chillies, turmeric — 15 seconds, off the heat.
  4. Squeeze in the lemon juice while off the flame, add salt.
  5. Fold through the rice gently. Taste for lemon and salt.

Questions people ask about Lemon Rice

How long does Lemon Rice take?

About 20 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is straightforward. That is start-to-finish, so it works on a weeknight when you have not planned anything.

What can I use instead of rice in Lemon Rice?

Use any long-grain rice. Basmati needs less water than most, so check the packet before following the ratio here.

Can I make Lemon Rice ahead of time?

Yes, and it is better for it. Cool it fully, refrigerate for up to three days, and reheat gently with a splash of water. The flavours settle overnight.

Is Lemon Rice vegetarian?

Yes, and as written it is vegan too. Check your specific brands if that matters to you.

What do you serve with Lemon Rice?

Steamed rice with a spoon of ghee, and a papad if you have one. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

Don't know what to cook? Let it decide →

Read more on the technique

More ideas by ingredient

If you liked this

Curd Rice
10 min · Easy
Coconut Rice
15 min · Easy
Cabbage in Coconut Milk
15 min · Easy
Rava Upma
20 min · Easy
Cabbage Poriyal
20 min · Easy
Vermicelli Upma
20 min · Easy