Citrus Delight: Lemon Rice with Spiced Dals

Lemon Rice with Dals Recipe

Overview

Lemon Rice with Dals is a delightful dish that combines the tangy freshness of lemons with the wholesome flavors of basmati rice and aromatic spices. This recipe offers a straightforward method to create a vibrant, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Recipe Category: Curries
• Keywords: Lemon, White Rice, Rice, Citrus, Fruit, Vegetable, Asian, Indian, < 4 Hours

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1/4 cup channa dal (split chickpeas)
• 1/4 cup masoor dal (split red lentils)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 lemons
• 25g butter
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3-4 curry leaves
• 4-5 cashew nuts
• 1 sprig of fresh coriander
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Fresh lemon rind
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Dals:

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   • Soak channa dal and masoor dal in water for a few hours before cooking.
   • Boil the soaked dals in water until they soften. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook Basmati Rice:

   • Rinse basmati rice thoroughly and boil with 4-5 cups of water and salt until the grains are tender yet firm.
   • Just before draining, add turmeric powder to the rice and stir to evenly distribute. Drain and keep aside.

3. Prepare Seasoning:

   • In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
   • Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon sticks, curry leaves, and cashew nuts.
   • Sauté until the seeds start to splutter and the nuts turn golden brown.
   • Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the boiled dals to the onion mixture along with turmeric powder. Mix well.
   • Peel the lemons, grate the lemon rind, and add it to the dal mixture. Stir thoroughly.

5. Assemble Lemon Rice:

   • Transfer the dal mixture to the cooked basmati rice. Gently toss or stir to combine evenly.
   • Squeeze the juice from the lemons to get about half a cup of lemon juice. Mix in a teaspoon of salt.
   • Pour the lemon juice mixture over the rice and dal mixture. Toss gently to incorporate.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish the Lemon Rice with dried parsley, fresh coriander leaves, and whole cashew nuts.
   • Serve hot and enjoy the refreshing flavors of Lemon Rice with Dals!

Tips for Serving:

• For a richer flavor, add cubes of butter directly to the cooked rice before mixing with the dal mixture.
• Lemon Rice with Dals pairs wonderfully with yogurt, pickle, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal experience.

This Lemon Rice with Dals recipe not only promises a burst of citrusy zest but also brings together comforting textures and aromatic spices, making it a versatile and satisfying dish for any mealtime. Enjoy the flavors of India in every bite!