Go Back
easy-lemon-rice---easy-south-indian-lemon-rice_feature

Easy South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe - Simple Tangy Lemon Rice Pilaf

This easy South Indian lemon rice recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Southern India to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Perfect as a quick lunch or flavorful side dish, this tangy lemon rice pilaf is packed with aromatic spices, crunchy peanuts, and the bright zing of fresh lemon juice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked basmati rice (cooled)
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
  • 1 teaspoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
  • 2-3 dried red chilies
  • 10-12 curry leaves
  • 1/4 cup raw peanuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
  • 3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  2. Add urad dal, chana dal, dried red chilies, and peanuts. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown and peanuts are lightly roasted.
  3. Add curry leaves and asafoetida. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Reduce heat to low and add turmeric powder. Stir quickly to combine.
  5. Add the cooled cooked rice and salt. Gently mix to coat the rice evenly with the tempering.
  6. Turn off the heat and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the rice. Mix gently to combine.
  7. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

Use cooled rice for best texture, adjust lemon to taste, don't skip the tempering for authentic flavor, make ahead as flavors improve overnight, customize heat level by adjusting chilies