Lemon Rice with Roasted Peanuts
Lemon rice is a practical way to turn plain cooked rice into a complete lunch. Turmeric gives it colour, mustard seeds, curry leaves, ginger and chillies give it warmth, and roasted peanuts add the crunch that keeps each bite interesting. Lemon juice goes in at the end, off the heat, so the flavour stays bright rather than bitter. This version works well with rice cooked earlier in the day or the previous evening, packs neatly into a lunch box, and sits happily alongside curd, papad, pickle or a simple vegetable side. It is also forgiving: the tempering takes minutes, the mixing is gentle, and the seasoning can be adjusted at the table with a little extra lemon or salt.
Easy & Simple South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe
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Ingredients
15 itemsStep-by-Step Instructions
9 steps-
1
Step 1
Spread the cooked rice on a wide plate if it is still warm. Let it cool completely so the grains stay separate, then sprinkle half the salt over it and toss gently.
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2
Step 2
Heat the oil in a wide pan or kadai on medium heat. Add the peanuts and roast, stirring often, for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove them to a plate with a slotted spoon, leaving the oil in the pan.
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3
Step 3
In the same oil, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add the chana dal and urad dal and fry until the dals turn light golden.
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4
Step 4
Add the dried red chillies, green chillies, ginger and curry leaves. Saute for about 30 seconds until the curry leaves are crisp and the ginger smells fragrant.
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5
Step 5
Lower the heat, add the turmeric powder and asafoetida, and stir for a few seconds only, so the turmeric does not burn.
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6
Step 6
Switch off the heat. Add the cooled rice to the pan and mix gently with a wide spoon or fork, turning the rice until it is evenly yellow and coated with the tempering.
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7
Step 7
Pour the lemon juice over the rice and add the remaining salt. Mix once more, gently, so the grains do not break.
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8
Step 8
Fold in the roasted peanuts and chopped coriander leaves. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed.
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9
Step 9
Rest the rice, covered, for 5 minutes so the flavours settle. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Chef's Pro Tip
For optimal flavor, ensure all fresh spices are freshly roasted or ground before adding. Adjust seasoning gradually according to taste and let the dish rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
