Transform Leftover Rice into Delicious Lemon Rice

Revitalize Your Leftover Rice

Picture this: a plate of food sits before you, but the sight of plain white rice has completely diminished your appetite. Or perhaps, upon opening the fridge, you find yesterday's cold rice, which only adds to your disinterest. In such moments, you might wonder: should you toss it or eat it begrudgingly?

Fortunately, with a few clever techniques, you can turn that uninspiring rice into a delightful dish. Today, we introduce you to the wonders of South Indian cuisine that can revitalize your bland rice. We're referring to Lemon Rice. The zesty flavor of lemon, the heat from green chilies, and the crunch of peanuts make this dish so appetizing that while your stomach may be satisfied, your taste buds will still yearn for more.

Ingredients for Lemon Rice

What you'll need:
Cooked rice: 2 bowls (leftover rice is ideal)
Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
Peanuts: a handful (roasted)
Tempering: Mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies
Turmeric powder: half a teaspoon (for a vibrant yellow hue)
Salt: to taste
Oil or ghee: 2 tablespoons

Simple Steps to Prepare Lemon Rice

How to make it:
Begin by heating oil in a pan. Once hot, add mustard seeds and wait for them to splutter before introducing curry leaves and green chilies.
Next, toss in the peanuts and fry until they turn a light golden brown. The crunchiness of the peanuts is essential for this dish.
Lower the heat and add turmeric powder, ensuring it doesn’t burn but simply releases its color.
Then, incorporate the cooked rice and salt, mixing gently to avoid breaking the rice grains.
After turning off the heat, add the lemon juice and stir well. This step is crucial as it prevents the lemon from turning bitter.
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a few cashews during the tempering process. Serve your Lemon Rice with papad or yogurt, and watch as everyone enjoys every last bite!