Luscious Lemon Rice

Brighten up your meals with this vibrant and flavorful Luscious Lemon Rice, an easy-to-make dish bursting with zesty citrus, aromatic spices, and delightful textures. Made with fluffy basmati rice and infused with earthy turmeric, crackling mustard seeds, and the warmth of cumin, this Indian-inspired recipe is elevated with the zing of freshly squeezed lemon juice. A sprinkle of roasted peanuts adds a satisfying crunch, while fresh cilantro brings a refreshing finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this gluten-free, vegetarian dish is perfect as a tangy side or a light main when paired with yogurt, pickles, or a simple curry. Transform your mealtime with this quick crowd-pleaser and enjoy a symphony of bold flavors in every bite! Keywords: lemon rice recipe, easy Indian rice dish, gluten-free side, flavorful basmati rice, vegetarian meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Oil (vegetable or coconut)
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 piece Green chili (finely chopped)
• 8 leaves Curry leaves (fresh or dried)
• 2 tablespoons Roasted peanuts
• 3 tablespoons Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 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 prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed. Set the rice aside to cool and fluff it gently with a fork.

Step 3

In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and allow them to crackle for about 30 seconds.

Step 4

Add the cumin seeds and green chili to the skillet. Sauté for another 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the curry leaves and turmeric powder, allowing them to infuse the oil for about 20 seconds.

Step 6

Add the cooled, cooked rice to the skillet along with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gently mix the rice with the spices, ensuring the grains are evenly coated.

Step 7

Sprinkle the roasted peanuts over the rice and continue to mix gently to combine.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the rice. Mix well to distribute the tangy flavor uniformly.

Step 9

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve warm. Luscious Lemon Rice pairs perfectly with yogurt, pickles, or a simple curry.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(803.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	642.0

Total Fat 39.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2386.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 61.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.6g	0%
Total Sugars 3.1g
Protein 14.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 142.2mg	0%
Iron 6.4mg	0%
Potassium 422.4mg	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: 53.9%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 37.4%