Zesty Lemon Rice Recipe: Quick & Delicious Side Dish

Lemon rice is a vibrant, zesty dish that dances on your palate, combining tangy flavors and comforting textures in a delightful symphony. Imagine the aroma of freshly squeezed lemons mingling with warm rice, creating an irresistible invitation that’s hard to refuse.

This dish holds a special place in my heart, reminiscent of lazy summer afternoons spent with family. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply when you need a quick yet delicious side to brighten up any meal. Trust me; you won’t want to miss this flavor experience.

I still remember the first time I served lemon rice at a family gathering; everyone went back for seconds and thirds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Long-Grain Rice: Choose quality long-grain rice like Basmati for fluffy texture and aroma.

• Fresh Lemons: Select juicy lemons for maximum zest and juice; they’re the star of the show!

• Turmeric Powder: Use this vibrant spice for color and subtle earthy flavor; it’s essential in lemon rice.

• Mustard Seeds: Opt for black mustard seeds; they add a lovely crunch and depth.

• Curry Leaves: Fresh curry leaves lend a unique fragrance; they’re worth seeking out.

• Green Chilies: Adjust according to your heat preference; they add just the right kick to the dish.

• Peanuts or Cashews: Toasted nuts provide delightful crunch; feel free to mix them up based on your preference.

• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors beautifully; use sea salt for best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Rice: Start by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain rice under cold water until it runs clear. This step removes excess starch and ensures fluffy grains.

Cook the Rice: In a pot, combine rinsed rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.

Zesty Lemon Mixture: While the rice cooks, zest 2 lemons using a microplane grater. Then juice those zesty beauties into a bowl, ensuring no seeds sneak in.

Sizzle Those Spices!: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds along with curry leaves and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds.

Add Peppers and Nuts: Toss in chopped green chilies (adjust heat level) along with ¼ cup of peanuts or cashews. Stir-fry these together until nuts are golden brown—another minute should do!

Combine Everything Together!: Once the rice is done cooking, fluff it gently using a fork before adding the lemon zest and juice mixture along with sautéed spices. Mix well to ensure every grain is coated in zesty goodness.

Enjoy your homemade lemon rice while it’s warm—you’ll love how each bite bursts with flavor!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by heating oil in a pan, then add mustard seeds until they pop. Next, toss in the peanuts and spices before stirring in the rice for even flavor distribution.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition. Swap out peanuts for cashews if you’re feeling adventurous!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover lemon rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Cooking lemon rice always reminds me of my college days when my friends would gather for potlucks. Everyone loved it, especially when I added that extra squeeze of lemon at the end.

FAQ

How can I make lemon rice spicier?

Add chopped green chilies or red chili powder during cooking for an extra kick.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Is lemon rice suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep and tastes great even after a few days in the fridge.

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Lemon Rice

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• Author: Sophia Bennett
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Lemon rice is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines zesty lemon flavors with fluffy rice and aromatic spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or summer picnics, this easy-to-make recipe will brighten any meal. Its sunny yellow color and delightful crunch from nuts make it an irresistible side dish that appeals to all ages.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup long-grain rice (Basmati recommended)
• 2 juicy lemons
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp black mustard seeds
• 8 fresh curry leaves
• 1–2 green chilies (adjust heat to preference)
• 1/4 cup peanuts or cashews (toasted)
• Salt to taste (sea salt preferred)

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Instructions

1. Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until it runs clear.
2. In a pot, combine rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
3. While the rice cooks, zest and juice the lemons into a bowl.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat; add mustard seeds and curry leaves; sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
5. Add chopped green chilies and peanuts/cashews; stir-fry until nuts are golden brown.
6. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then mix in the lemon zest, juice, and sautéed spices.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg