Day 6 of the blogging marathon with theme “Combo meals” and today is all about the classic “Lemon Rice and Potato Fry”. Does this combo bring back memories of school/college? Well for me it brings back nostalgic memories of school days. My Grandma used to pack lunch for my aunts, uncles and me. She used to spread the cooked rice over a big plate for it to cool. After preparing the lemon rice, she used to give few spoonfuls to taste and it used to be so delicious that I could eat the whole bowl. Gone are those days, but the memories will remain forever.
Ingredients
1.5 cups basmati rice
3 tsp oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1.5 tsp urad dal
1.5 tsp channa dal
3 tsp peanuts (Optional)
Few cashews (Optional)
Curry leaves
1/4 tsp asafoetida
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
Small piece of ginger
2 green chillies
3 red chillies
1 lemon (about 3 oz lemon juice)
Salt to taste
Method
Cook the basmati rice and allow it to cool. This is important for the grains to stay separate. Leftover rice works best. (Any rice can be used.)
Seasoning ingredients at a glance.
Heat oil. Add mustard seeds. When it splutters add the other seasoning ingredients except lemon juice.
Saute for a couple of minutes until the lentils turn brown. Then add the lemon juice and salt. Turn off the stove.
Add the mixture to the cooled rice.
Start mixing slowly. We don’t want to break the grains.
All mixed and ready.
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Very nice for any time meal perfect pictures
Thank you for posting
wooooow…..healthy….. i love it….thanks for sharing….
Is there a way you can just post a PRINTABLE recipe, without all th pix and other fancy-smancy stuff?
Thanks
Sure. I am working on it.
This rice looks so flavorful! I have never tried it before.
I am in Montana. I found some authentic dals at a local market and they are charging a small fortune for a very small bag. I may attempt to order various dals from Amazon.com. Thanks again!
@Anonymous: I assume you are picking the yellow split peas from the American stores. I think they are different than what we get in Indian stores. That might be the reason why it is rock hard. I have not bought dals from American stores, so I don't have experience with them.
I am in a remote place in USA and have to drive 3 hours for Indian groceries.
. Since you mentioned elevation, just wondering if you are by any chance in Denver since that is where we go for our Indian groceries.
I would suggest to buy dals from Indian stores if possible or for now just omit them from seasoning.
Thank you. I appreciate your help very much.
This has been an ongoing problem for me whenever I try a south Indian recipe. Many recipes call for uncooked dal in the seasoning. It never seems to work.
Here in the USA we mainly have access to yellow split peas, not the classic dals. Perhaps these are just too dry. I also live at over 3000 feet elevation as well, if it makes any difference.
To eat these delicious yellow split peas, without soaking them first, they must be cooked for about an hour. I use them for a variety of great dishes, my favorite being lemon dal, various rasams, and sambar.
Simply frying these dals does not seem to alter them very much other than changing their color. Is it possible the dal you are using is much fresher and not as dry?
@Anonymous: The dals are supposed to be crunchy, but not rock hard that you cannot bite into it. You have to saute the dals until they turn golden brown and this just takes 15-30 seconds depending on how hot the oil is.
You can add less of the dals or omit them if needed and stick with peanuts and cashews alone.
I just tried to do this and the dals do not cook at all. They are still rock hard and cannot be eaten. Any suggestions?
@Anonymous: We don't cook the dals beforehand. We need to add them as part of seasoning. Heat oil. Add mustard seeds. When it splutters, add the dals and the other ingredients shown in seasoning picture. Then proceed with the other steps.
The seasoning ingredients photo shows uncooked dal? Does the recipe require these urad and chana dal to be cooked beforehand?
This good way to attempt for the consideration of the work and it work quality.
My favourite!! You made my mouth water!!
Very delicious combo..
Totally in love with ur masala for the rice!!!! Such a simple dish yet one of the most delicious rice dishes!!!
Prathima Rao
Prats Corner
Quick, easy and yummy..
Such yummy pics ~ an evergreen n delicious rice dish!
This is one my quick rice dish .. all time fav lemon rice
looks fabulous! Lovely presentation
Yum, lemon rice looks like a real tongue tickler.
Thanks for stopping by my space.
Your post just reminded me my beloved MIL.This combo was a norm in her kitchen during festival days.
I prefer sonamasuri to Basmati for South Indian style rice dishes.
That looks delicious…a perfect picnic food and an easy one too!!
Lovely clicks…These variety rices will be all time favourites for me!!
Delicious – one of my favourites!!
mouth watering!!!!waiting for the chettinad style potato fry receipe
It's funny how I can never want to make lemon rice myself for the simplest reason that I think I can't get it right..:)..combo looks great and very good tiffin boxes..:)
Lovely Pics…..
Lovely and a great combo vardhini..Can I drop in for lunch ?
Both rice and potato fry looks so delicious..yum
That looks absolutely delicious and very tempting
Your lemon rice looks so yummy! I would really love to give this a try! Have a nice day!
You've been coming up with really nice combos throughout this BM….this is one of the best.
My all time fav…perfect presentation…
Yeah!!! Its a wonderful recipe…..i make lemon rice often for lunch!!
My all time fav rice…hmm….lovely combo..
What great photos! I often have leftover rice and now you game a great way to serve it; thanks.
Rita
Love the combo and the rice has got a lovely tempting color…
my go-to lunch box recipe! nice pictures!
my fav mixed rice…and my fav combo too…
Yummy and delicious combo.. Tangy and breezy lemon rice is my favie…
Love lemon rice any time of the day.. Yours looks perfect with potato fry.. Yummy clicks.
Wow!!!!! nice colourful rice. Perfect lunch in summer…
delicious…my tongue is tickling just with one look at your clicks.
The rice looks delicious and the pictures awesome
wow the person who had this lunch box food is a luckiest one to have a wonderful combo .clicks are beautiful
yummy looking combo meal
Lemon rice and potato fry is the best combo…and is also an easy and tasty lunch box recipe…looks very yummm..the lock and lock lunch box looks very good
Looks delicious…..yummyy
This one is a real snap. Lovely colors !!
Perfect lunchbox recipe. looks delicious..goo collection of lunchboxes.
SIGNATURE RECIPES & A GIVEAWAY till july 31st 2011
nice combo and ttempting rice
Vardhini, i love love the ones at the indian temples. make some at home too . will definitely try ur recipe now.
Adding peanuts is a lovely idea…nice flavourful yummy rice
Hello Vardhini, this is my first comment in your blog, though its not my first visit. I am surprised and inspired by your work on this blog and how you have made it such a success in such a short time. I am in awe that you post everyday late into the night after a day at work. You truly are an inspiration. Congratulations and keep up the good work.
Wowwwwwwwwwwww… Delicious looking lemon rice.. Mouth watering pictures.. Yummy
Indian Cuisine
I agree lemon rice n potato fry is a yummy combo…looks delicious..:)