You know what’s the perfect breakfast? For me it is lemon rice. I was in Mangalore in a PG (Paying Guest). They used to make one of the best lemon rice I have ever had. It was so tasty I could eat it everyday. 

That’s what we are going to make today. A simple yet the tastiest lemon rice. Let’s get started.

Ingredients
  • 1 large red onion diced
  • 4 green chilies cut long
  • 1 small tomato ripped 
  • 6 curry leaves 
  • 10g of coriander leaves 
  • 2g mustard seeds 
  • 2g cumin seeds 
  • 2g Chana dal
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Lemon juice 
  • 2tbsp cooking oil 
  • 200g of raw white rice
Instructions
  1. Cook the rice:
    In a pressure cooker, cook the raw white rice and keep aside to cool down. Do not overcook it. We need to cook it in a pressure cooker, that is what makes it perfect. If you cook in an open pan, you won’t get the real taste of lemon rice. You can also cook in electric rice cooker for better results.
  2. Use the pan or Kadai:
    Take a large pan, big enough to hold rice for 4 people.
  3. Tadka Process:
    In the pan heat the oil at medium heat, and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and chana dal.
  4. Cook the Chana:
    Cook until the Chana dal looks light brown.
  5. Add Onion and Green Chilies:
    Then add the diced onion and start stirring, with that add the green chilies and keep stirring.
  6. Add the curry leaves:
    Now add the curry leaves and stir until the curry leaves are half cooked. It cooks pretty fast so don’t worry.
  7. Salt to taste:
    Now add salt, I keep that salt measurement as 1 pinch of salt for 1 person.
  8. Add Turmeric:
    Now add turmeric powder and stir well.
  9. The Aroma:
    You will start to smell the fragrance of lemon rice, this is when you should add the diced tomatoes.
  10. The perfection:
    Do not cook tomatoes for long time, once they are half cooked you can turn off the stove.
  11. The Flavor:
    Now add 1tsp of lemon juice. Then add the chopped coriander leaves at the end to garnish.
  12. Wait for the perfect flavor:
    Let it settle for some time. After like 7 mins you will start to see the onions go red. This is because we added lemon. If it’s red, it’s ready.
  13. Add Rice:
    Now add the cooked rice and mix well.
  14. Serve:
    Make sure to serve hot, it tastes so much good when it’s hot.
Preparation Time: 15 Mins Minutes
Cooking Time: 10 Mins Minutes
Total Time: 25 Mins Minutes
Servings: Serves 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine Type: Indian
Allergens Peanut Oil
Nutrition Information
Calories: 300
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 4g
Pro Tips for Perfecting the Dish

  • Use Non-Stick Kadai or Pan:
    Always use Non-stick kadai or Pan. This makes sure that rice doesn’t stick or burn while cooking.
  • Use Peanut Oil:
    If you are using regular cooking oil, try Peanut oil. It brings the real flavor of Lemon rice. So, if you like you can try Peanut oil for a change.
  • Use an Wooden Spatula:
    If you are using non-stick pan, or kadai, it’s better to use a Wooden spatula. This keeps your non-stick safe from getting scratched.
  • Dice Onion and Tomato:
    While dicing onion and tomato, make sure to cut in smaller pieces. This way, you can enjoy the entire flavor.