South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe

By Petrina Verma Sarkar

Updated 09/25/18

South Indian Rice
The Spruce
Ratings (182)
  • Total: 25 mins
  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yield: Serves 2
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
1039 Calories
21g Fat
189g Carbs
28g Protein
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Lemon rice is one of the most common dishes in South India. It's usually eaten alone or with raita, yogurt, chutney or Kosambari (a type of salad).

You can easily throw together if you are in a hurry as it can be made with leftover rice. Add some poppadums on the side for a simple yet tasty meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola or sunflower cooking oil)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 3 to 4 curry leaves
  • 2 green chilies (slit lengthwise)
  • 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
  • 1/2 cup peanuts (roasted and unsalted)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 2 cups cooked basmati rice (or leftover rice)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe ingredients
     The Spruce

  2. Gently roast and then coarsely grind the coriander seeds into powder. Set aside.

    South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe
     The Spruce

  3. Heat the oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. Fry the mixture until the spluttering stops.

    South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe
     The Spruce

  4. Add the ginger and peanuts. Fry the mixture for another minute.

    South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe
     The Spruce

  5. Add the turmeric powder and turn off the burner.

    South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe
     The Spruce

  6. Add the lemon juice and mix well.

    South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe
     The Spruce

  7. Add the rice, roasted coriander powder and salt to taste and mix thoroughly.

    South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe
     The Spruce