Are looking for a tangy dish that can be prepared with little or no preparation? This South Indian Style Lemon Rice Recipe is packed with flavor and is just for you! In fact, this is one of those comfort foods that everyone loves which is vegan and family-friendly.
About this recipe
Lemon rice is full of flavor and is a huge upgrade to plain rice. I received a specific request for this lemon rice recipe as the majority of my readers always mention how they prefer recipes that are quick and easy to prepare with ingredients already stored at home.
In South Indian cuisine, lemon rice is popular for its simplicity and rich flavors which is a dish you can simply eat year-round. Lemon rice is essentially steamed rice that is mixed in with stir-fried spices and infused with fresh lemon juice. However, there are so many variations out there, but this South Indian version is the favorite in my household.
It's filled with cashew and peanuts that make it so amazing!
Ingredient Notes
- Lemon Juice: Using freshly squeezed lemon juice is the main highlight of this dish.
- Spices: To add more flavor, I use plenty of spices which are turmeric, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, red chilli, green chilli, ginger and curry leaves.
- Nuts: This recipe uses peanuts and cashews for that extra crunch.
How to make lemon rice
Some more subtle changes I made to bring out the true authentic flavor and aroma is to use fresh turmeric root instead of the powder. The result is a tempting meal that is full of flavor in every bite.
Check out my video for the lemon rice recipe in the recipe card.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, this lemon rice recipe is vegan friendly and contains so much flavor from the spices, nuts and lemon.
Yes, this is a great main course which can keep you feeling full and contains nuts that are packed with nutrients.
Yes, it is fine to use turmeric powder, but we use grated turmeric roots to bring out the authentic flavor and aroma.
This lemon rice can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
Expert Tips
- For true and authentic flavor, use fresh spices and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Try it with basmati rice like I did or with jasmine, sona masoori rice. An easy and simple rice dish such as this will come in handy on busy weekdays and also a perfect option for kids' lunch boxes. Try it today and let me know how you like it.
If you love this nutty lemon rice recipe, why not try:
- Vangi Bath - Brinjal Rice
- Palak Rice - Instant Pot Spinach Rice
- Instant Pot Garlic Rice
- Rice Pudding With Mango
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📖 Recipe
Indian Lemon Rice Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup basmati rice
- ¼ cup peanuts
- 2 tablespoon split cashew nuts
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 dry red chili
- 2 green chilies
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 3 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 teaspoon grated turmeric roots
- 1 strand curry leaves
- 3 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoon Cilantro for garnishing
Instructions
- Soak the basmati rice for 15 mins in cold water.1 ½ cup basmati rice
- Cook the rice with lots of water. Later drain the water after rice is cooked and place it aside. You could also steam the rice in a pressure cooker instead. Use a ratio of 1:1.5cup of water for every cup of rice.
- Place a pan over medium heat add oil. As the oil heats up, add peanuts, and cashews. Fry them to a crispy consistency.¼ cup peanuts, 2 tablespoon split cashew nuts, 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- Add mustard and cumin seeds and saute them until they start to sizzle. Now, add dry red chilies and curry leaves and saute for another 30 seconds.1 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 dry red chili, 1 strand curry leaves
- Add grated turmeric, ginger, and chopped green chilies and cook for a minute.2 green chilies, 3 teaspoon grated ginger, 2 teaspoon grated turmeric roots
- Add salt to taste and mix in the cooked rice. Give it a good mix until the flavor is evenly distributed.
- Switch off the heat and squeeze some fresh lemon juice.3 teaspoon lemon juice
- Add chopped cilantro and mix well.2 tablespoon Cilantro for garnishing
Process Shot
Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)
Video
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
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amrita
One of my favourite dish.,,. lovely clicks
Swati Saxena
Loved your photography and video too. Your Badmati rice used on lemon rice looks so perfect Uma . Awesome share
Uma Raghupathi
Thank you Swathi!
Padmajha PJ
Lemon rice is a regular lunch box dish for the kids. I add either cashew or roasted peanuts. Adding both will make it even more delicious!! Nice clicks!
Jagruti
Simple, quick and flavourful rice, what more do you want in life? 🙂 One of our favourite and flavoured rice and I only prepared a few days ago.
Bhawana
Whenever I have left over rice my first preference is to make lemon rice. It is such a flavourful and crunchy rice recipe which is easy to make and amazing taste.
Ruchi
Soulful food. Love this easy and flavourful rice variety. Beat for tiffin too
Jayashree
This is a comfort food for South Indians. It's tasty and filling. Yours looks delish.
Uma Raghupathi
Thank you Jayashree!
Vidya Narayan
I agree, the quick recipes are most wanted by all due to simplicity, ease of availability of ingredients and lack of time for cooking elaborate meals. Lemon Rice, rather all the South Kalavai saadam varieties always come to our rescue. A great travel option, addition of nuts increases nutritional quotient for kids too. A bowl of curd on the side is sufficient. Loved the tempting close up pic of rice.
Uma Raghupathi
Thank you Vidya! This rice is life saver during busy days 🙂