Lemon Rice Recipe To Brighten Up Your Lunchbox

Lemon Rice is one of the simplest yet most flavorful South Indian comfort foods, loved for its tangy kick, aromatic tempering, and vibrant yellow hue. This dish transforms leftover or freshly cooked rice into a quick, refreshing meal that travels well and tastes even better as it sits.

A fragrant mix of mustard seeds, curry leaves, chilies, peanuts, and turmeric brings texture and warmth, while fresh lemon juice adds a citrusy punch that awakens the palate. It’s a go-to recipe for busy mornings, travel meals, or light dinners, and it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free. Whether you pack it for lunch or pair it with papad and pickle at home, Lemon Rice is as comforting as it is energizing. It comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

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Lemon Rice Recipe To Brighten Up Your Lunchbox

Author: ganesh

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 10 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 20 mins

Cooking Temp: 180  C Servings: 2 Estimated Cost: $ 40 Calories: 220 kcal per serving

Best Season: All year

Description

This South Indian-style lemon rice recipe brings together fluffy rice, mustard seeds, peanuts, and lemon juice for a zesty, comforting meal.

Ingredient

Servings

• 1½ cups cooked rice – preferably cooled or leftover
• 1½ tbsp oil – coconut or sunflower oil
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tbsp peanuts – raw or roasted
• 1 dried red chili – broken
• 1–2 green chilies – slit
• 8–10 curry leaves
• ¼ tsp ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• Salt – to taste
• 2 tbsp lemon juice – freshly squeezed
• 1 tbsp coriander leaves – chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil and Temper Spices

   In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add peanuts, red chili, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté until peanuts are golden and aromatic.

    

1. Add Turmeric and Salt

   Add turmeric powder and salt. Stir for a few seconds to mix evenly.

    

1. Mix in the Rice

   Add the cooked rice and gently mix to coat the grains with the tempering. Stir on low heat for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

    

1. Add Lemon Juice

   Turn off the heat and add fresh lemon juice. Mix gently to combine without breaking the rice.

    

1. Rest and Serve

   Let the rice sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with coriander if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 220kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 8g13%

Saturated Fat 2g10%

Sodium 180mg8%

Potassium 130mg4%

Total Carbohydrate 32g11%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 1g

Protein 4g8%

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Vitamin C 7 mg

Iron 1 mg

Magnesium 20 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Serving Suggestions: Serve with coconut chutney, curd, papad, or pickle. Tastes great at room temperature too.

Variations:

• Add grated coconut for a Kerala-style twist.
• Substitute peanuts with cashews for a richer version.

Pro Tips:

• Use day-old rice for best texture.
• Don’t cook rice after adding lemon juice—always add it off heat to retain its fresh flavor.
• Adjust chilies based on spice preference.

Keywords: lemon rice, South Indian lemon rice, lunchbox rice recipe, tangy rice, easy Indian rice dish, vegan rice recipe