Lemon Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
• 1/2 cup peanuts (optional)
• 8-10 curry leaves
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

• Cook the rice
• Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
• In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
• Add the rinsed rice and cook until the rice is tender but still firm. Drain any excess water.
• In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add the mustard seeds. When they start to splutter, add the urad dal and peanuts. Sauté until the dal turns golden brown.
• Add the curry leaves and green chilies to the pan. Sauté for a minute until the curry leaves become crisp.
• Sprinkle turmeric powder over the tempering and mix well.
• Add the cooked rice to the pan and gently toss until the rice is well coated with the turmeric mixture.
• Drizzle the lemon juice evenly over the rice. Add salt to taste. Toss the rice gently, ensuring the lemony flavor is well distributed.
• Garnish the lemon rice with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve the lemon rice warm on its own or as a delightful side dish.