lemon rice

Certainly! Here's a detailed recipe for making Lemon Rice, a popular South Indian dish:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup basmati rice (cooked and cooled)

- 2 tablespoons oil (preferably mustard oil)

- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

- 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)

- 1 teaspoon chana dal (split Bengal gram)

- 2-3 green chilies (slit)

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

- 8-10 curry leaves

- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts

- 1/4 cup grated coconut (optional)

- Salt to taste

- Juice of 2 lemons

- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. **Cook Basmati Rice:**

   - Cook the basmati rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool to room temperature.

2. **Tempering:**

   - Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add urad dal, chana dal, slit green chilies, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown.

3. **Add Turmeric and Peanuts:**

   - Add turmeric powder to the tempering and mix well. Add roasted peanuts and stir.

4. **Combine Rice:**

   - Add the cooled cooked rice to the pan. Mix gently, ensuring that the rice gets coated with the tempering.

5. **Add Lemon Juice:**

   - Squeeze the juice of two lemons over the rice. Adjust the quantity of lemon juice according to your taste preferences.

6. **Season with Salt:**

   - Add salt to taste and mix well. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

7. **Garnish and Serve:**

   - Garnish the Lemon Rice with fresh coriander leaves and grated coconut (if using). Mix gently.

8. **Serve Warm:**

   - Lemon Rice is best served warm. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with yogurt, pickles, or a side of your choice.

Lemon Rice is not only delicious but also a quick and easy dish to prepare. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!