Awesome Crunchy Lemon Rice

Brighten up your meals with this vibrant and flavorful Awesome Crunchy Lemon Rice, a quick and easy dish brimming with zesty goodness and delightful textures! Featuring fluffy basmati rice infused with fresh lemon juice, this recipe is elevated with the crunch of roasted peanuts, golden chana dal, and urad dal, perfectly complemented by a fragrant tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. The subtle warmth of turmeric and a touch of asafoetida tie the aromatic spices together, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a refreshing finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this South Indian-inspired dish is perfect as a standalone meal or a side to your favorite curries and stir-fries. Whether you're preparing a weekday dinner or adding a twist to lunch, this tangy, spicy rice is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 8 leaves curry leaves
• 2 pieces green chilies (slit lengthwise)
• 0.25 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 0.25 cup roasted peanuts
• 1 tablespoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1 tablespoon urad dal (split black gram)
• 0.25 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures fluffy rice.

Step 2

In a pot, combine the washed rice, water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and water is absorbed.

Step 3

Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.

Step 5

Add mustard seeds to the oil and let them crackle for a few seconds. Then add curry leaves, green chilies, chana dal, and urad dal. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the dals turn lightly golden and aromatic.

Step 6

Add the turmeric powder, asafoetida, and roasted peanuts. Stir well to coat the ingredients with the spices.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and carefully add the cooked rice to the skillet. Gently mix until the rice is coated with the spice mixture.

Step 8

Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the rice and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Toss everything together to distribute the lemony flavor evenly.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm with a side of yogurt or pickle for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	557.3 grams (557.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	243

Total Fat 20.40g	26%
Saturated Fat 3.20g	16%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.60g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2378mg	103%
Total Carbohydrate 9.10g	3%
Dietary Fiber 4.00g	14%
Total Sugars 2.50g
Protein 11.20g	22%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 63mg	5%
Iron 1mg	6%
Potassium 327mg	7%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 69.3%

Protein: 16.9%

Carbs: 13.7%