Zesty Indian Lemon Rice with Cashews and Curry Leaves

Name: Zesty Indian Lemon Rice with Cashews and Curry Leaves
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Basmati rice; Water; Ghee or vegetable oil; Salt; Oil; Mustard seeds; Cumin seeds; Curry leaves; Dried red chilies; Cashews; Asafoetida (hing); Turmeric powder; Lemon juice; Salt; Chopped fresh cilantro; Lemon wedges

A flavorful rice dish with a citrusy zing

This vibrant Indian dish combines aromatic basmati rice, crunchy cashews, and fresh curry leaves, all infused with the bright flavor of lemon.

45 min
4
Easy

Ingredients

For the Rice Base

Basmati rice

2 cups, rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes

Water

4 cups

Ghee or vegetable oil

1 tablespoon

Salt

1 teaspoon

For the Tadka (Tempering)

Oil

2 tablespoons

Mustard seeds

1 teaspoon

Cumin seeds

1 teaspoon

Curry leaves

10-12 fresh leaves

Dried red chilies

3-4, broken into pieces

Cashews

1/4 cup, roughly chopped

Asafoetida (hing)

1/4 teaspoon

For the Flavoring

Turmeric powder

1 teaspoon

Lemon juice

Juice of 2 lemons

Salt

To taste

For Garnishing

Chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons

Lemon wedges

For serving

Preparation

Preparing the Rice Base

Soak and Rinse Rice

Rinse and soak the basmati rice in water for 20 minutes, then drain.

Boil Water

In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.

Cook Rice

Add the soaked rice, 1 tablespoon of ghee, and salt. Cook until the rice is tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

Making the Tadka (Tempering)

Heat Oil

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat.

Add Seeds

Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, allowing them to crackle.

Sauté Spices

Add curry leaves, dried chilies, cashews, and asafoetida. Sauté until the cashews are golden brown.

Ensure not to burn the spices during the tadka as this can cause bitterness. Pro Tip: Swirl the pan to evenly distribute the tempering aromas.

Cooking Process

Integrating Flavors

Add cooked rice to the tadka mixture, followed by turmeric powder.

Adding Citrus

Pour in the lemon juice and mix thoroughly to coat the rice evenly.

Seasoning

Adjust the salt to taste and continue to gently mix over low heat.

Plating & Serving