Lemon Rice

A very popular South Indian variety rice, which is simple and easy to make. Lemon juice gives a very refreshing and tangy flavor to the rice. It is an option for quick meals preparation.Here i have used basmati rice.You can also make it with leftover rice. If you want to keep homely food during a travel,especially in train journeys this would be great option. You can eaten either alone or with yogurt, raita, chutney.

Ingredients

• Rice – 1 cup
• Water – 2 cups
• Oil – 1 tablespoon

To season

• Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon
• Mustard seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Asafoetida – 1/2 teaspoon
• Whole red chilly – 2
• Green chilly – 1, sliced
• Urad dal / black lentil – 1 tablespoon
• Peanuts – 2 tablespoon
• Lemon juice – 1/4 cup
• Curry leaves – 1 sprig
• Salt

Preparation

1. Wash the rice and soak it for 15 minutes.
2. Drain the rice and put it into the saucepan. Add water, oil, and salt  and bring to a boil. Once the water starts to boil reduce the heat to low and cover the pan.
3. Cook  until the rice is tender and the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat and fluff the rice with a fork.
4. Heat  oil in a frying pan on medium heat; stir-fry the peanuts for about 2 minutes until peanuts changes the color to light brown.
5. Take out  peanuts from the oil and  add mustard seeds, When it splutters add red chilly, curry leaves, and green chilly, and stir for a few seconds.
6. Add the urad dal, stir-fry for a minute. Add turmeric, asafoetida and mix it well. 
7. Add the cooked rice, peanuts and sprinkle salt and lemon juice over the rice.
8. Mix gently, making sure do not break the rice and stir-fry for  2 minutes.