Lemon Rice (Elumichai Sadham) – Fresh, Tangy & Comforting South Indian Classic

 🍋 Fresh & Flavourful Lemon Rice — perfectly balanced tanginess, aromatic sesame oil, and crunchy tempering in every bite!

 Lemon Rice (Elumichai Sadham – Homestyle)

Lemon rice is a timeless South Indian comfort food made with cooked rice tossed in a fragrant tempering of mustard seeds, lentils, peanuts, curry leaves, and fresh lemon juice.

This simple yet flavour-packed dish is light on the stomach, naturally vegan, and ideal for lunchboxes, travel, or quick meals.

 ⏱️ Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Serves: 2–3
• Cuisine: South Indian
• Course: Main

 ⭐ Ingredients

 ✅ For the Rice

• Raw rice – 1 cup, cooked and cooled
• Sesame oil – 1 tbsp (to mix with hot rice)

 ✅ Lemon Mixture

• Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
• Salt – to taste
• Lemon juice – from 1 big lemon (seeds discarded)

 ✅ For Tempering

• Sesame oil – 2 tbsp
• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
• Ginger – 1 tbsp, finely chopped
• Green chillies – 2, finely chopped
• Dry red chilli – 1
• Urad dal – 1 tbsp
• Channa dal – 1 tbsp
• Peanuts – 1–2 tbsp
• Cashew nuts – optional
• Curry leaves – few

 ✅ To Finish

• Coriander leaves – chopped

 👩‍🍳 Method

 Step 1: Prepare the Rice

1. Cook raw rice until fluffy.
2. While the rice is hot, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, mix gently, and allow it to cool completely.
   This prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

 Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Mixture

1. In a small bowl, add turmeric powder and salt.
2. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix well.
3. Keep aside.

 Step 3: Tempering

1. Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a pan.
2. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.
3. Add chopped ginger, green chillies, and dry red chilli.
4. Saute until the ginger is well cooked and aromatic.

 Step 4: Roast the Lentils & Nuts

1. Add urad dal and channa dal.
2. Roast until they turn golden brown.
3. Add peanuts (and cashews if using) and roast until lightly golden.
4. Add curry leaves and saute for a second.

 Step 5: Mix Lemon & Rice

1. Stir the lemon mixture once again and add it to the pan.
2. Mix well and cook for a minute.
3. Reduce flame to low and add the cooled rice.
4. Mix gently and evenly.
5. Check salt and adjust if needed.
6. Cook on low flame for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

 Step 6: Finish

1. Switch off the flame.
2. Add chopped coriander leaves and mix gently.

 🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve lemon rice with:

• Spicy potato roast or potato fry
• Vadams or papad
• Pickle and curd on the side

Perfect for lunchboxes and travel meals.

 💡 Tips

• Always cool the rice completely before mixing.
• 🧂 Add salt before mixing in lemon juice.
  This helps balance the acidity and prevents the lemon juice from turning bitter, especially when heated.
• Add lemon mixture only on low flame to retain freshness.
• Roast dals patiently for the best crunch.
• Sesame oil gives the authentic flavour — do not replace it.

 🥗 Nutritional Benefits

• Lemon is rich in Vitamin C and aids digestion
• Sesame oil supports gut health and provides healthy fats
• Lentils and peanuts add plant-based protein
• Light, refreshing, and easy to digest
• Ideal for everyday meals

 🧊 Storage

• Keeps well for up to 24 hours at room temperature
• Refrigerate for 1–2 days
• Bring to room temperature before serving
• Best consumed fresh for maximum flavour

A simple dish with timeless flavour — lemon rice is comfort food at its best 💛
Try it and let me know how it turned out! ✨

 Video Tutorial