Lemon Rice

If you wish to have something different from the usual plain rice and in a hurry then lemon rice is the best option. Its so easy, tangy and yummy. This is a very light and fragrant rice with lemon and ginger flavor along with the crunchiness of the peanuts. This is perfect for picnics, travels and as a lunch box item. This south Indian dish goes well with raita, pickle and pappad.

INGREDIENTS
·         Cooked Rice – 4 cups 
·         Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
·         Asafoetida  – 2 pinch
·         Peanuts – 3 tbsp
·         Urad daal – 1 tsp
·         Curry leaves – 10
·         Green Chili – 3 (slit into half)
·         Onion – 1 medium sized ( chopped)
·         Ginger – 1 tsp. finely chopped
·         Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
·         Lime juice – 1 tbsp
·         Oil – 2 tbsp
·         Salt to taste

                                                                                                   

METHOD

In a wok/pan heat oil.

Add mustard seeds and let it splutter.

Add hing, peanuts and urad dal. Fry peanuts for 2 minutes till the nice aroma starts emanating.

Add curry leaves.

Stir well and add onions, chilly and ginger.

Keep frying till the onions are translucent. Add salt.

Add turmeric and half of the lime juice. Stir till the raw smell is gone.

Add the rice scoop by scoop and keep mixing.

Add the remaining lime and add salt.

Mix well and remove pan from fire.

Serve hot with raitha/ dal, pickle and pappad.

Tips:
Lemon rice is best made with ghee rice(small grains) though you can also use Basmati rice. But not boiled rice.
Adjust the lime juice as per your preference.