Lemon Rice is Ideal for Lunch Box

Look no farther than lemon rice for a great, quick meal that will liven up your lunchbox or be ideal for your next picnic. Combining the crunch of peanuts and spices with the tangy goodness from the fresh lemon juice, this basic yet savory South Indian meal is Meal preparing, traveling, or simply a fast homemade lunch would be perfect for this recipe since it’s quick to make, calls for only a few basic ingredients, and keeps fresh for long.

We’ll take you through a detailed step-by-step recipe for lemon rice in under 15 minutes right here on this page. This simple and vivid taste recipe will wow you regardless of your level of skill in cooking.

Lemon Rice In Telugu

Lemon Rice Ingredients

– Boiled and cooled rice (preferably slightly cooled hot rice or cold rice)

– Ghee (2 to 3 tablespoons)

– Mustard seeds (1 teaspoon)

– Urad dal (1 tablespoon)

– Green chilies (2 to 3, slit lengthwise)

– Peanuts (a handful)

– Curry leaves (5 to 6 fresh leaves)

– Turmeric powder (1 teaspoon)

– Salt (to taste)

– Fresh lemon juice (from 4 lemons)

– Tamarind pulp (optional, to taste)

How To Prepare Lemon Rice

1. Prepare the Rice:

To begin with, you’ll need boiled rice. You can either use freshly boiled rice that’s cooled slightly or leftover rice that’s already cold. If using fresh rice, make sure to allow it to cool down a little to avoid it becoming too mushy. The texture of rice plays a crucial role in the final taste of lemon rice—it should be separate and not sticky.

2. Prepare the Tempering:

Now, let’s move on to making the tempering, which gives lemon rice its distinct flavor. In a pan, add about 2 to 3 tablespoons of ghee and heat it on medium flame. Once the ghee is hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds. Next, add urad dal and sauté it until it turns golden brown.

This is where the magic starts! Add the green chilies and curry leaves to the pan, and fry them well. The fragrance of curry leaves and chilies will begin to fill the kitchen, making the dish irresistible. Be careful not to burn the spices, so keep the flame low.

3. Fry the Peanuts:

Next, add the peanuts to the tempering and fry them until they become crunchy and golden brown. The peanuts add a delightful crunch to the lemon rice, making it even more delicious. The combination of crispy peanuts and the spicy-tempered rice is what makes this dish unique.

4. Add Turmeric and Salt:

Once the peanuts are fried to perfection, reduce the flame and add turmeric powder and salt to the pan. Mix everything well, ensuring the turmeric is evenly distributed. The turmeric not only adds color but also enhances the aroma of the rice. Stir for a couple of minutes, allowing the raw smell of turmeric to vanish.

5. Turn Off the Heat and Add Lemon Juice:

After turning off the heat, it’s time to add the fresh lemon juice. This step should be done once the tempering has cooled down a little because hot oil can cause the lemon juice to lose its fresh tangy flavor. Squeeze the juice of 4 lemons into the tempering and mix thoroughly.

The amount of lemon juice you add can be adjusted based on how tangy you prefer your lemon rice. If you’re using more rice, you can add a bit more lemon juice for a stronger flavor.

6. Combine with Rice:

Now that the tempering is ready, it’s time to mix it with the boiled rice. Add the tempered mixture to the cooled rice and mix it gently, ensuring the rice grains are well-coated with the lemony, spiced tempering.

At this stage, you can taste the rice and check if it needs any additional seasoning. If required, add more salt or lemon juice.

7. Add Tamarind Pulp (Optional):

For an extra layer of flavor, you can also add tamarind pulp to the rice. Tamarind adds a tangy, slightly sour note that complements the lemon juice beautifully. If you prefer, you can skip this step or adjust the quantity based on your taste preference. Mix the tamarind pulp thoroughly with the rice.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Your lemon rice is now ready to be served! The best part about this dish is that it can be enjoyed as is or paired with a simple side like papad or yogurt. It’s a versatile dish, perfect for any meal of the day, whether it’s lunch, dinner, or as a snack during your travels or picnic.

Also check Quick and Tasty Carrot Rice Recipe

Why Lemon Rice is Ideal for Lunch Boxes and Picnics:

Lemon rice is the perfect dish for lunch boxes and picnics for several reasons:

– Quick and Easy: It can be prepared in just 10-15 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings when you need to pack lunch in a rush.

– Flavorful and Tangy: The fresh lemon juice combined with spices and peanuts gives it a unique taste that’s hard to resist.

– Non-perishable: Once prepared, it stays fresh for a long time, making it great for travel or outdoor activities like picnics and hikes.

– Customizable: You can adjust the level of spice, tanginess, or sweetness according to your preference.

– Kid-Friendly: The simplicity of the ingredients and the delightful crunch of peanuts make it a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Pulihora Lemon Rice Conclusion:

In just a few steps, you can create a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Lemon rice is versatile, quick to prepare, and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether it’s a busy weekday lunch, a picnic snack, or part of your travel meals, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Next time you’re in the mood for something simple yet delicious, try making lemon rice. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a comforting dish that packs a punch of flavor. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and make sure to leave a comment below if you tried it out! For more tasty recipes like this, subscribe to my blog and hit the bell icon to stay updated.

Enjoy your lemon rice and happy cooking.

Key Takeaways:

– Lemon rice is a quick and tangy dish perfect for lunch boxes and picnics.

– It’s packed with flavor from lemon juice, spices, and crunchy peanuts.

– The recipe is customizable to your taste preferences, whether you like it spicier or tangier.

Try it today and treat your taste buds to this delightful South Indian classic.