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Close up image of Indian lemon rice in a bowl.

Indian Lemon Rice

Emily
Fragrant, fluffy, and zesty Indian lemon rice.
This rice dish is so simple to make and is perfect as a meal on it's own or as a side dish to curries, grilled meats, and more.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
ESTIMATED COST : $2.10 or $0.52 a serve
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 serves
Calories 439 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups (300 grams, 15.58 ounces) basmati rice
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1 ½ teaspoons black mustard seeds
  • 1 green or red chili slit and desseded, chopped fine
  • 2 ¼ cups (560 grams, 19.75 ounces) water
  • teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 3 teaspoons (8 grams, 0.28 ounces) lemon zest or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice or to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves), roughly chopped, to garnish, optional

Instructions
 

  • Rinse rice under room temperature water until the water runs clear. This should take about 2 to 3 rinses. Completely drain off all water.
  • In a medium sized saucepan, heat the oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic, minced ginger, mustard seeds, and red chili. Saute for about 1 minute.
  • Add the rice and continue to cook for a further 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Carefully place water, turmeric powder, lemon zest, and salt, in saucepan, stir to combine.
    Make sure the rice sits flat along the bottom, but no rice is sticking to the bottom. Taste for seasoning, add more salt if desired.
  • Bring liquid to a boil. Once at a boil, stir the rice, and reduce heat to bring it to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 25 minutes.
  • Once cooked, turn off heat and allow the rice to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Mix through the lemon juice. Serve.
    Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serveCalories: 439kcalCarbohydrates: 76gProtein: 10gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 762mgPotassium: 14mgSugar: 1g
Nutrition Disclosure
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