LEMON RICE

by - November 21, 2016

RICE VARIETIES
LEMON RICE
     Rice being the Staple food of South Indians, a variety of rice dishes are prevalent in and around the area.  The list is literally a long and appetizing one.  Coconut Rice, Lemon Rice, Tomato Rice, Tamarind Rice/Puliyodharai, Coriander Rice, Mint Rice, Kalkandu Rice, Curd Rice - the list goes on and on...
     In some South Indian states, a tradition of serving variety rice during Valaikappu/ Seemantham ( A tradition popular in South India carried out during the 7th month of pregnancy) is still in vogue. Normally odd numbers of rice dishes are served during the ceremony.  Rice dishes with almost all flavours, tastes and colours beautify the occasion.
     One of the simplest rice dishes ever - LEMON RICE is undoubtedly welcoming and all the more liven up the plain rice instantly.  The hint of lemon in the dish adds freshness and fragrance to the rice along with a note of tanginess.Seasoned with mild spices and nuts, it is so light, crunchy and tasty.  Just pair it up with some simple vegetarian side dish, salad or Thick Coconut Chutney (Getti Chutney). Serve it along with a cup of Yogurt/Curd or Curd Raitha or simply complete it with a smidgen of Pickle and crunchy appetizers like Appalam/Pappadam or Vadagam.

Cuisine : South Indian (Tamilnadu)
Course : Main
Spicy Level  : Low
Difficulty : Easy
Serves : 3- 4
Author : SM



Preparation Time - 15-20 Minutes
Cooking Time - 10 - 15 Minutes

INGREDIENTS :

Raw Rice – 1 Cup
Lemon –1
Green Chillies –2 Nos.
Mustard - 1/4 Tspn
Bengal Gram Dhal – 1/2 Tspn
Dry Red Chillies - 2 Nos.
Cashew Nuts - 5-6 Nos.(Optional)
Ground Nuts - 8-10 Nos. (Optional)
Turmeric Powder – 1/4 Tspn
Oil – 2 Tbspn
Curry leaves – 1 Sprig
Salt – To Taste
Sugar - A pinch

METHOD :

  • Cook raw rice as per instructions until soft (But not mushy). Allow it to cool down.
  • Mix the Rice with 1 Tbspn of Oil and leave it aside.
  • Extract Lemon Juice, add Salt and a pinch of Sugar to it and mix well.
  • Heat Oil in a pan, splutter Mustard seeds, Bengal Gram Dhal, Dry Red Chillies.
  • Saute finely chopped Green Chillies and Curry Leaves.
  • Add Cashew nuts and Groundnuts to the above and fry them in a very low flame, until they turn golden brown in colour.
  • Add Turmeric Powder and give a quick stir.
  • Pour in the Lemon Juice mix and leave in low flame for few seconds.
  • Add the cooked Rice and mix it until well combined in a very low flame.

NOTES :

  • Can prepare this dish with par-boiled rice too. 
  • Cook the rice variety you are using, Al dente.
  • Adjust a number of green chillies and dry chillies to your preference.
  • Gingelly (Sesame) Oil would suit best for the dish. 
  • Adding groundnuts and cashew nuts are purely optional.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your level of tanginess.




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