South Indian lemon rice (elumichampazham sadam) - An easy variety rice flavoured with a simple and essential south indian spices and with a good dose of freshly squeezed lime juice and turmeric that gives it a beautiful hue. Perfect summer recipe that gets done in minutes!
Lime is an indispensable ingredient. In so many Indian curries, a squeeze of lime at the end is vital to the dish. A simple ingredient that brings out a whole new dimension. This Lemon rice is no exception. The citric flavor of the lime balanced with the spicy green chilli seasoning and nuts, make this more tastier.
There is nothing fancy about preparing this lemon rice. With just a few ingredients in hand this is a real quick-fix. All you need is lime juice and turmeric. As lime is available almost all year round, you can make this often and whenever you like it. The lime rice also makes a good lunch box recipe!
Lemon or Lime ?
You can interchangeably use either of them. Lime or lemon juice doesn't matter. Adjust the amount of juice as per the amount of citrus in the fruit.
Turmeric or Curcumin
Turmeric is one of the main ingredients that go in the lemon rice. Apart from its healing benefits, it gives the desired golden hue. For us, South Indians, this is a must while making lemon rice. Do not skip turmeric powder!
What kind of rice to use ?
- Traditionally, short grain rice is used to prepare all south indian rice dishes. Basmati is not a necessary. You can use any kind of non sticky short grain rice.
- Let the rice cool completely before mixing it with the seasoning. This also prevents the rice from sticking together.
- For the same reason, we also drizzle sesame oil (or any neutral cooking oil) on the cooked rice while it is set to cool.
- Resting the rice for few minutes before serving, helps the rice absorb the flavour to combine well.
Serving lemon rice ( elumichampazham sadam)
Even though this has green chilies the spiciness will be mild. So try pairing it up with a slightly spicy side dish.
The traditional south Indian way is to serve it with a spicy crispy potato curry or sepankizhangu fry / Colocasia taro root fry or plantain fry. If you are in a real hurry, potato chips or papad will also be good with this rice.
Some also serve this with a omelette or a egg curry!
South Indian lemon rice (elumichampazham sadam) - An easy variety rice flavoured with a simple and essential south indian spices and with a good dose of freshly squeezed lime juice and turmeric that gives it a beautiful hue. Perfect summer recipe that gets done in minutes!
- 1 cup rice
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 3 to 4 curry leaves torn
- 2 dry red chillies
- 1 green chilly
- 1 teaspoon channa dal
- 2 tablespoons peanuts roasted
- 1 tablespoon cashew nuts roasted (optional)
- Coriander for garnish
Cook the rice and allow it to cool. Spread the rice in a wide vessel and add a teaspoon of sesame oil and let it cool. This prevents the rice from sticking together. Keep it aside.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat; add mustard seeds and once they splutter add the peanuts and roast them for 2-3 minutes.
- Then add the green chilies, turmeric powder, curry leaves and fry them for a minute.
Pour the tempering over the cooled rice.
Squeeze the lime and add salt.
Mix it well; check for seasoning and adjust and serve.
Notes and Tips for making lemon rice
- Traditionally, short grain rice is used to prepare all south indian rice dishes. Basmati is not a necessary. You can use any kind of non sticky short grain rice.
- Lime or lemon juice, you can use whatever is available at hand.
- Do not skip the turmeric powder.
- Resting the rice for few minutes before serving, helps the rice absorb the flavour to combine well.
- If you feel that the sourness is less, add some more lime juice. Depending on the variety you might need one or two.
Calories
The calorie mentioned here is an approximate and it is for 1 cup of cooked rice.
Lemon rice is one of my fav rice variety from South Indian cuisine. Your picture is so tempting Nisha.
Lemon rice is such a much simple yet so flavorful rice dish which I always die for. Lovely preparation dear 🙂
For ever my mil called this elumanchapazha saadam and hates to hear it called lemon rice. I loved the absolute traditional take you have brought here.
Love that pop of yellow!! It looks perfect! Love these quick dishes 🙂
Hey hope you are settled now.. it always take sometime to adjust at new place..
Lemon Rice is one of my favourite variety rice. Make it very frequently. Looks tempting
This is one of the essentials of South Indian cooking. Love the simplicity of this dish and it tastes awesome.
I love lemon rice and many a times I pack it for my lunch. Loved your tips and you rice is perfectly done
what a bright pop of color, very pretty clicks nisha, lemon rice with spicy fry is our favorite!!! Looks so neat and perfect!!!
I have very fond memories of my college days about this lemon rice..loved the way you have explained it so well. The rice looks so inviting !
Lemon rice is my all time favorite... I always end up making this with leftover rice.
This is my favorite rice. I like your detailed step by step recipe and the inviting photos
My favourite.. I always end up making this when I have left over rice.
Awesome lemon rice! very grain is separated and you have explained each and everything so well
what a bright and flavorful rice and I am sure you will adjust so soon and then never want to leave there 🙂
your lemon rice looks awesome Nisha. Hope you get adjusted to your new place soon..
Who will say no to this ultimate lemon rice, my all time favourite with potato fry.
Lemon rice looks very tasty.It will take some time but you will adjust dear and I am sure here you will enjoy more .
Simple, comfort food.
Good to hear that you moved into her new home Nisha. Hope you feel at home soon 🙂
Lemon rice is one of my go-to dish. My whole family loves it.
hope u settle down soon in ur new home.. and enjoy the lemon rice 🙂