When it comes to a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner option, Lemon Rice often steals the spotlight. This South Indian dish is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Let's dive into the recipe and explore how to make this delightful meal at home.

Ingredients

1 cup of long-grain rice (basmati works well)
2 cups of water
2 tablespoons of cooking oil (you can use any oil of your choice)
1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
2-3 dried red chilies
8-10 curry leaves
1/4 cup of peanuts (optional)
2 tablespoons of lemon juice (adjust according to taste)
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Method

- Wash the rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

- In a large pan or pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.

- Add the cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

- If using peanuts, add them to the pan and roast until they turn golden brown.

- Now, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the pan for flavor. Stir well.

- Add the washed rice to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the rice grains are well-coated with the oil and spices.

- Pour in the water and add salt to taste. Give everything a good stir.

- Cover the pan with a lid and let the rice cook on low heat until all the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked through. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the type of rice used.

- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit covered for a few more minutes.

- After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.

- Drizzle the lemon juice over the rice and give it a final mix to distribute the lemony flavor evenly.

- Garnish the Lemon Rice with fresh coriander leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.

- Serve hot as a standalone dish or pair it with your favorite side dishes like yogurt, pickle, or papad.