Lemon Rice

Zesty Lemon Rice Recipe from India with Mushrooms and Thyme

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lemon rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is popular in South Indian cuisine. It is a simple and quick recipe that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal.

History

Lemon rice has its origins in South India, where it is a staple dish in many households. It is often served as part of a traditional meal or as a quick and easy lunch option.

Ingredients

1 cup of sliced celery
1 small onion, chopped
0.25 cup + 2 tbsp of melted butter or margarine, divided
2.5 cups of water
2 tsp of grated lemon rind
0.25 cup of lemon juice
0.25 tsp of dried whole thyme
1 tsp of salt
0.13 tsp of pepper
1.25 cups of uncooked long-grain rice
0.75 lb (340 g) of fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced

How to prepare

In a large skillet, sauté sliced celery and chopped onion in 3 tbsp of melted butter.
Stir in water, lemon rind, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add rice to the skillet. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
In a small skillet, sauté mushrooms in the remaining 3 tbsp of butter until tender. Drain the mushrooms.
Add the sautéed mushrooms to the rice mixture and stir well.

Variations

Add roasted peanuts or cashews for a crunchy texture.
Include green peas or carrots for added color and flavor.
Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sauté the celery and onion until they are soft and translucent to bring out their flavors.

- Be careful not to overcook the rice, as it can become mushy. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

- Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end of cooking will enhance the citrus flavor of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon rice can be served as a main dish with a side of yogurt or pickle. It can also be paired with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for lemon rice include sautéing the vegetables, simmering the rice, and sautéing the mushrooms. These techniques help to develop the flavors and textures of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ghee or olive oil instead of margarine.

- Substitute fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for the thyme.

- Replace the mushrooms with bell peppers or zucchini.

Make Ahead Tips

Lemon rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the lemon rice with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve in a decorative bowl or on a platter for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Lemon rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, and vegetable curries. It also goes well with a side of raita or chutney.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover lemon rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of lemon rice usually contains around 250-300 calories, making it a light and healthy meal option.

Carbohydrates

Lemon rice is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the main source of carbs coming from the rice. One serving typically contains around 40-50 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in lemon rice come from the margarine used for sautéing the vegetables and cooking the rice. One serving usually contains around 10-15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Protein content in lemon rice is relatively low, with most of the protein coming from the mushrooms. One serving typically contains around 5-8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemon rice is a good source of vitamin C from the lemon juice and lemon rind. It also contains minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron from the vegetables and rice.

Alergens

Lemon rice may contain allergens such as gluten from the rice and margarine. It is important to check for any food allergies before consuming this dish.

Summary

Overall, lemon rice is a nutritious and balanced meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Lemon rice is a delicious and aromatic dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its citrusy flavor and simple preparation, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Lemon Rice. It was a warm summer day, and I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in her cozy little kitchen. My aunt was a wonderful cook, and her dishes always had a special touch that made them stand out. On that particular day, she was preparing a simple yet flavorful dish called Lemon Rice.

As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I was mesmerized by the way she effortlessly combined the basic ingredients to create something so delicious. The aroma of lemons filled the air, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

My aunt explained to me that Lemon Rice was a popular South Indian dish that was often served as a side dish or as part of a larger meal. The tangy flavor of the lemon juice paired perfectly with the fragrant spices and nutty taste of the rice. It was a dish that was both refreshing and comforting, perfect for warm summer days.

I asked my aunt how she had learned to make Lemon Rice, and she told me that she had picked up the recipe from a friend who had spent time living in India. She had made a few adjustments to suit her own taste preferences, adding extra spices and herbs to make the dish her own.

After that day, I couldn't get the taste of Lemon Rice out of my mind. I was determined to learn how to make it myself, so I asked my aunt to teach me the recipe. She gladly agreed, and we spent a wonderful afternoon in her kitchen, cooking and chatting as we prepared the dish together.

I watched carefully as my aunt measured out the rice and water, added the spices and herbs, and squeezed fresh lemon juice over the top. The simplicity of the ingredients amazed me, yet the combination of flavors was nothing short of extraordinary.

As the Lemon Rice simmered on the stove, the fragrant aroma filled the kitchen, and I felt a sense of accomplishment knowing that I was learning to make a dish that had been passed down through generations.

When the Lemon Rice was finally ready, we sat down to enjoy it together. The first bite was like a burst of sunshine in my mouth, the tangy lemon flavor dancing on my taste buds. It was a dish that was both familiar and exotic, comforting yet exciting.

From that day on, Lemon Rice became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I shared the recipe with friends and family, and it quickly became a favorite among all who tried it. It was a dish that brought people together, sparking conversations and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

As the years went by, I continued to make Lemon Rice, each time adding my own little twist to make it uniquely mine. The recipe had become a part of me, a reflection of my love for cooking and my passion for sharing delicious food with others.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will carry on the tradition and make Lemon Rice a part of your own culinary journey. May it bring you joy and comfort, just as it has brought me over the years.

Remember, cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about infusing it with your own love and creativity. So go ahead, give it a try, and let the flavors of Lemon Rice transport you to faraway lands and cherished memories. Bon appétit!