Lemon Rice

Overview
Lemon rice is one of the popular rice recipes from south India. Zesty lemon rice is one of the favorite picnic lunches and a lunch box special. This dish can be made with left over rice too. Urdu Dal, Channa Dal and Peanuts adds a nutty flavor and protein to this dish. The tangy taste of lemon juice mixed with the simple spices adds a unique texture and flavor to this rice dish.

Lemon Rice

Ingredients
Basmati Rice or any long grain rice - 2 cups
Lemon Juice -  Juice of 2 big lemons
Roasted Peanuts - 3 tablespoons
Urdu Dal - 1 tablespoon
Channa Dal - 1 table spoon
Ginger 2 inch piece finely chopped
Green chilly - 2 - 4( depending on how spicy you want it to be)
Finely chopped shallots (optional) - 3 tablespoons
Curry leaves  - 2 sprigs
Whole dry red chillies - 3 - 4 cut into piece
Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
Mustard seeds  - 1 teaspoons
Oil - 4 tablespoon
Salt to taste

Steps
1. Cook 2 cups cleaned rice in 4 cups water and keep aside. Once the rice is cooked fluff it up with a fork and  let it cool.
2. Heat oil in a pan. When the oil gets hot add the mustard seeds to it and let it splutter. Add the red chilly pieces and curry leaves to this and fry them then add the Urdu Dal and Channa Dal. Saute till the Dal's are brown.
3. Add the finely chopped green chillies . ginger, turmeric and shallots to this and saute few minutes. turn off the heat.
4. Add the cooked rice, salt, lemon juice and roasted peanuts to this and mix well.

Serve hot with Raita and Papaddams