Easy Lemon Rice Recipe (South Indian Style)

Introduction:

Lemon Rice or Nimmakaya Pulihora is a beloved South Indian dish made with cooked rice, lemon juice, and a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and peanuts. It's light, refreshing, and perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a quick meal using leftover rice.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (cooled)
• 1.5 tbsp sesame oil (or any oil)
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp chana dal
• 1 tbsp urad dal
• 2 tbsp peanuts or cashews
• 1 dry red chili (broken)
• 1 green chili (slit)
• 1/2 tsp grated ginger
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Juice of 1 large lemon (adjust to taste)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the rice and spread it on a plate to cool down completely. This prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
2. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add chana dal, urad dal, and peanuts. Fry until golden brown.
4. Add cumin seeds, dry red chili, green chili, grated ginger, and curry leaves. Sauté for 30 seconds.
5. Add turmeric powder and stir well. Turn off the heat.
6. Add the cooked rice and salt. Mix gently until the rice is coated evenly.
7. Add lemon juice and toss again. Adjust salt and tanginess if needed.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old rice for better texture and to avoid stickiness.
• Do not add lemon juice while the pan is hot; it may turn bitter.
• Optional: Add a pinch of hing (asafoetida) for extra flavor.

Health Benefits

Lemon rice is not only tangy and delicious but also packed with health benefits. The vitamin C from lemon boosts immunity, improves iron absorption, and aids in digestion. The tempering ingredients like mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric in the rice acts as a natural antiseptic and supports liver health. As it’s light and low in fat, lemon rice is a great option for a quick, healthy meal that’s easy on the stomach.