Authentic Indian Lemon Rice Recipe – Easy South Indian

Indian Lemon Rice – If you’ve ever tasted the vibrant flavors of South Indian cuisine, you’ve likely come across the bright and zesty Indian Lemon Rice — a dish that captures the essence of comfort, simplicity, and tangy goodness. This golden-yellow rice preparation is a beloved staple across Southern India, known for its refreshing citrus aroma, nutty crunch from roasted peanuts, and the delicate balance of spices tempered in fragrant ghee or oil.

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Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Main Course / Lunch / Light Meal
Servings: 2–3 people
Calories: About 230 kcal per serving

Equipment Needed

• A non-stick pan or kadhai

• A spatula or ladle

• A mixing bowl

• A lemon squeezer (optional)

• Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tangy, aromatic dish:

Main Ingredients

• Cooked rice – 2 cups (preferably cooled, day-old rice works best)

• Lemon juice – 3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed for best flavor)

• Salt – to taste

• Turmeric powder – ¼ teaspoon

Tempering (Tadka) 

• Oil or ghee – 2 tablespoons (traditionally sesame or peanut oil)

• Mustard seeds – 1 teaspoon

• Cumin seeds – ½ teaspoon

• Dry red chilies – 2

• Green chili – 1–2 (finely chopped)

• Ginger – 1 teaspoon (grated)

• Curry leaves – 8–10 fresh leaves

• Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch

• Chana dal (split Bengal gram) – 1 teaspoon

• Urad dal (split black gram) – 1 teaspoon

• Peanuts or cashews – 2 tablespoons (roasted)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

• Use pre-cooked rice that has cooled completely.

• Fluff it gently with a fork so that grains remain separate.

• If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a plate for 10 minutes to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Mixture

• In a small bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, turmeric, and a pinch of salt.

• Mix well and keep aside — this will be poured over the rice later for that classic tang.

Step 3: Tempering (Tadka)

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan on medium flame.

2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

3. Add cumin seeds, chana dal, and urad dal. Fry until they turn golden brown.

4. Add dry red chilies, green chilies, curry leaves, and grated ginger.

5. Toss in peanuts or cashews and sauté till they are crunchy and lightly roasted.

6. Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) — this gives a subtle depth of flavor.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add turmeric and salt if not added before.

2. Immediately add the cooked rice to the tempering.

3. Gently toss everything together on low heat so that the rice is evenly coated with the yellow oil mixture.

4. Drizzle the lemon juice mixture over it and mix again gently.

   • ⚠️ Tip: Don’t cook for too long after adding lemon juice — heat can reduce the tanginess.

5. Turn off the flame and let the rice rest for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 5: Serve

• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

• Serve warm or at room temperature with papad, pickle, or yogurt.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~230 kcal
Carbohydrates	35 g
Protein	5 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	2 g
Sodium	180 mg
Vitamin C	15 mg (from lemon juice)
Calcium	30 mg

Tips & Variations

1. Rice texture: Always use rice with separated grains; mushy rice will spoil the dish.

2. Oil choice: Traditional South Indian recipes prefer sesame oil for its nutty aroma.

3. Peanuts substitute: Use roasted cashews for a richer flavor.

4. Additions: You can mix in grated coconut, sautéed onions, or steamed vegetables.

5. For kids: Reduce chilies and add a little ghee for a mild, comforting taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair Indian Lemon Rice with:

  • Fried papad or appalam

  • Coconut chutney or pickle (mango or lemon)

  • Plain yogurt or raita

• Perfect for:

  • Office tiffin, temple offerings, or weekend brunch

  • Travel meals — stays fresh for up to 8 hours at room temperature

Conclusion

Indian Lemon Rice is more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of simplicity, freshness, and South Indian tradition. With its sun-kissed color, aromatic tempering, and citrusy bite, this dish brings comfort and brightness to any day. Whether you’re packing it for lunch, offering it to guests, or savoring it on a quiet afternoon, each bite reflects the vibrant soul of Indian home cooking.