Lemon Rice with Dals

Bright, zesty, and irresistibly aromatic, Lemon Rice with Dals is a quick and flavorful South Indian-inspired dish that strikes the perfect balance between tangy, nutty, and mildly spiced flavors. Featuring fluffy cooked rice infused with the vibrant essence of fresh lemon juice, this dish gets its delicious crunch from roasted peanuts and the golden crispiness of split urad dal and chana dal. Fragrant curry leaves, a hint of asafoetida, and a dash of turmeric add layers of complexity, while green chilies bring a subtle kick of heat. This 25-minute recipe is not only simple to prepare but also pairs wonderfully with raita, pickle, or crispy papad for a wholesome, satisfying meal. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it's a versatile vegetarian option perfect for family dinners, lunchboxes, or even light gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups Cooked rice
• 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Split urad dal (black gram lentils)
• 1 tablespoon Chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 2 medium Green chilies, finely chopped
• 10 leaves Curry leaves
• 0.25 teaspoon Asafoetida (hing)
• 2 tablespoons Peanuts
• 2 tablespoons Oil (preferably sesame or any neutral oil)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet or pan on medium heat and add the oil.

Step 2

Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds.

Step 3

Add split urad dal and chana dal to the pan. Fry for 1-2 minutes until the dals turn golden brown.

Step 4

Stir in the green chilies, curry leaves, and peanuts. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the peanuts are slightly crunchy.

Step 5

Lower the heat and add asafoetida and turmeric powder. Mix well to release the aroma of the spices.

Step 6

Next, add the cooked rice to the pan. Gently toss to combine the rice with the spice mixture without breaking the grains.

Step 7

Pour the lemon juice evenly over the rice and sprinkle salt. Mix everything gently to ensure the rice is well-coated with the flavors.

Step 8

Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves if desired.

Step 9

Serve warm or at room temperature with papad, raita, or pickle as a side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(928.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1487.4

Total Fat 40.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2448.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 247.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.0g	0%
Total Sugars 3.8g
Protein 32.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 156.9mg	0%
Iron 12.7mg	0%
Potassium 857.0mg	0%

*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: 24.4%

Protein: 8.8%

Carbs: 66.8%