Lemon rice is a good option for lunch or dinner on those days when you are very lazy and don't feel like spending much (or any) time in the kitchen :)
I guess there are so many versions of lemon rice, but the one which I follow is very simple and have only a few ingredients. After reading the recipe you will understand why I said this is the best recipe for a lazy day :)
Anyways here goes the recipe for the quick and simple lemon rice.
You can have it with a side of this Indian Style Potato Roast
Here is the recipe…
Lemon Rice
A simple, quick and easy variety rice recipe. cooked rice is seasoned with lemon, turmeric, curry leaves and lentils.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati Rice
- 5 – 6 sliced Small / Pearl onions (optional)
- 2 Green chillies (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- Juice of 1 med – big size lemon
- Curry leaves
- Salt
- 1 tsp Mustard
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 tsp Urad dal
- 1 tsp Husked Bengal gram (chana dal)
- 1 tbsp Peanuts (I used roasted ones)
- 1-2 Dry red chilli
Instructions
- Add half tablespoon of oil to the rice and cook it the normal way.
- Heat the remaining oil in a pan and splutter the mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, peanuts, curry leaves, dry red chilli, small onion (if using), green chilli. Cook for 1-2 mins. Add turmeric powder, lemon juice, and salt. Stir for 1-2 mins.
- Add the cooked rice and mix well. Cook for two more minutes and remove from gas.
- Serve hot with raitha or plain curd and mango Pickle or Lemon pickle.
Tried this recipe? Let others know by…mentioning @mariasmenu or tagging #mariasmenu
Please see below the picture of Lemon rice made by Nisha, one of the readers of MariasMenu, based on the above recipe. Thanks a lot dear :)

Hi Maria,
Ur blog is quite gud…with simple and tasty receipe’s. After coming from work getting into the cusine with loads of cleaning cutting cooking progress got bored off…n now it feel lit bit easy and makes feel passion to cook…thanks…anyhow for this receipe as neethu said u can add channa and peanut and even cashew to it, also u can add shredded ginger and carrot (not more) and add asafoetida at the last and garnish with corriander leaf….u will feel heavenly….keep posting dear….
Hi Lakshmi,
Thanks a bunch dear :) I’ll try your suggestions when I make it next..
Cheers
Maria
Hi Chechi,
I’m Bachlor in Uae, Thank you for your Reciepie…. Expecting more Simple Reciepie from You….Â
Hi Hasifi,
You are welcome. I’ve posted many simple recipes before, please browse the site.
Cheers
Maria
Maria, I am not a Malayali, but I am trying to learn desperately how to cook traditional Kerala food (I’m British, know nothing, totally hopeless!) but your recipes are so easy to follow! Awesome!Â
Hi British-girl,
Thank yous o much :) I really admire you for trying out cuisines from this part of the world. Also, I’m really glad that you find the recipes here easy to follow.
Have fun & happy cooking :)
Cheers
Maria
hello maria ,, i tried the tomato rice recipe yesterday .it was ..very good taste  and so easy to make  thank u for ur recipe..
Hi Renjitha,
You are welcome! Nice to know that you liked the recipe. Thanks a lot for the comment :)
Cheers
Maria
Hi Maria,
I started following your blog only recently. YOu have a very good collection of recipes. Now one small tip from my side for lemon rice. As Neethu suggested you can add channa dal and peanuts + fried cashewnuts. This makes it more tasty and healthy
Hi Sunitha,
Thank you so much :) Thanks for sharing the tip also, its nice.
Cheers
Maria
Ur blog is too good and i dunno how to express more appreciation for this. I have been recently going through this as now is the time i started sitting at home with my new born :). I would like to suggest and roasting peanut (half cup) and channa dal(1 tsp) before sauting onions will be a great falvour and excellent crispy taste. Try t out and let me know :)
Hi Neethu,
First of all, Congrats for your baby!!
Thanks for your kind words and also for your tip. I’ll keep it in mind next time I make this :)
Wish you & your family a wonderful new year!!
Cheers
Maria
hi,but i’d like to know i mean cud please specify !!b4 putting oil into the pan roast the peanuts n channa dal ?.. and then? or add channa dal and peanuts  into the oil b4 adding the onioins???
Hi Liya
I think, you can add peanuts and channa dal to the oil before adding the onion.
Cheers
Maria
my wife and mom both do not put the curry leaf in the oil. Instead they put in the the rice after it has been boiled and strained, whist it is still hot. do try this variation. And naah.. no curd and picke for me.. just beef or mutton or chicken fry. the least i can have it is with is boiled egg. Oh potato masala ia another good option….