Carrot Lemon Rice Recipe
This vibrant and flavorful Carrot Lemon Rice recipe is a delicious South Indian dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and makes for a perfect lunch option. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a vegetarian diet. The combination of carrots, coconut, and the tangy twist from lemon creates a delightful balance that is both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 4 cups |
| Grated Carrots | 1 cup |
| Oil (Coconut or Ghee) | 2 tablespoons |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai) | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Green Chili (finely chopped) | 1 |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 2 teaspoons |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Lemon Juice | 1 lemon |
| Grated Coconut Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all the ingredients. Rinse the rice thoroughly and set aside to drain. Grate the carrots and keep them ready for cooking.
- Tempering: In a deep pan or kadhai, heat the coconut oil or ghee. Add the mustard seeds (rai) and let them splutter. Once the mustard seeds pop, add the curry leaves and urad dal. Sauté the dal until it turns golden brown, which will release a lovely aroma.
- Cooking the Coconut & Carrots: Add the grated coconut powder and sauté it for 2-3 minutes. Then, add the grated carrots and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the carrots are slightly tender.
- Cooking Rice: Add the washed rice to the pan and stir well to combine all ingredients. Add the salt and turmeric powder, and mix everything together thoroughly. Let the rice cook for 2-3 minutes on medium heat.
- Finishing Touches: Once the rice is cooked, squeeze the juice of one lemon into the rice and give it a final stir. Garnish with fresh curry leaves for added fragrance.
- Serve: Your Carrot Lemon Rice is now ready to serve! Pair it with boondi raita and crispy papads for a complete South Indian meal experience.
Enjoy this simple, yet flavorful, rice dish as part of your lunch or any meal that needs a bright, refreshing touch!
