Lemon Rice

[sanilss]

Lemon Rice This is one of my favourite rice based item. It can be prepared in less than 30-45 mins.

The following recipie will cater for 2. You need...

1 cup rice (average coffee mug)
1 Lemon
1-tbsp finely chopped Ginger or ginger paste
1-tbsp finely chopped garlic or garlic paste
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp oil
half-tea spoon turmeric (optional)
three-fourths tsp salt
quarter tsp chilli powder (The actual recipe uses chillies. You can chop up a couple of green chillies if you wish and want it a bit more spicy)

Optional : Some finely chopped coriander leaves would be great. Freshly fine grated coconut would add to the taste. If not use dessicated coconut. If using coconut/dessicated coconut you'll need about 3 tbsp of it.

Wash and set the rice to boil. When the rice is boiling, prepare the mix separately, as follows.

step 1 : Finely grate the peel of the lemon. Traditional Indian recipie does not use this but only lemon juice. But I have always found that adding finely grated lemon peels gives a very distinct flavouring.

Step 2: Put the oil in a shallow frying pan. Allow it to heat up for about 2 mins on a medium flame.

Step 3 : Now add the coriander seeds followed by cumin seeds about 10 seconds later.

Step 4: Add the ginger and garlic paste to this. Mix well. (If using chopped green chillies, add it now and fry them. If using turmeric, add it now)

Step 5: Add grated lemon to this and keep mixing.

Step 6: Add the salt. Chop the remaining lemon into half and squeeze some juice (equal to about 3 table spoons). (If using chilli powder, add it now.)

Mix well and keep aside. After the rice is boiled and is ready. Add the mix you prepared to the rice and mix throughly. It is ready. [ can be served with some yoghurt ]

If you have some coriander leaves, finely chop them and mix. Add some coconut gratings if needed.