Quick and Simple Lemon Rice

Lemon rice is a comforting and refreshing South Indian dish, often prepared at home for quick meals, travel, and temple offerings. Light, fragrant, and easy to digest, it combines cooked rice with mild spices, ghee, and fresh lemon juice. This version is simple, wholesome, and perfect for everyday cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 glass jeera rice
  (or long-grain biryani rice)
• ¼ cup carrots, finely chopped
• ¼ cup beans, finely chopped
• 2 green chillies, chopped
• 10 curry leaves
• 1 small piece ginger, crushed
• 2 cloves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1-inch piece cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 glasses water

Method

1. Wash the rice thoroughly and keep aside.
   Jeera rice is preferred for its light aroma and easy digestion.
2. In a deep pot, add 2 glasses of water (using the same glass used for rice).
   Bring the water to a rolling boil.
3. Heat another pan and add ghee.
   Once hot, add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.
4. Add cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, crushed ginger, green chillies, and curry leaves.
   Sauté briefly until aromatic.
5. Add the washed rice and sauté until the grains turn slightly transparent.
6. Add chopped vegetables and turmeric powder.
   Mix gently and switch off the flame.
7. Transfer this mixture into the boiling water.
   Add salt and lemon juice.
8. Cover and cook until the rice is fully done and water is absorbed.
9. Gently stir and cook uncovered for a minute to remove excess moisture, keeping the rice dry and fluffy.
10. Switch off the flame and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot as a light meal
• Pair with curd, pickle, or papad
• Ideal for lunch boxes and travel

Tips

• For travel, avoid adding vegetables
• Always add lemon juice after switching off heat for best flavour
• Ghee enhances aroma and keeps the rice fresh longer

What Should Be Careful

• Reduce chilli for children or sensitive digestion
• Consume fresh for best taste
• Avoid reheating multiple times

A Simple Comfort Dish

Lemon rice is proof that simple ingredients can create timeless comfort. With its gentle spices and tangy finish, it remains a favourite across generations—easy to prepare, easy to carry, and easy to love.