Lemon Rice For Any Meal

Did I ever tell you the story of how I awful I was at making rice when I first got married. Like SO BAD you guys. My husband in all his Puerto Rican glory couldn’t be more disappointed. I mean he never let me know. But I could just tell he couldn’t believe I was this bad at making rice!! I mean crunchy, soggy. Everything but right! haha! Well fast forward almost 20 years later and I can finally say I know how to make rice. Today, I’m sharing how to make LEMON rice. One of my favorites right beside Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime rice AND Spanish rice!

What’s the Secret to Perfect Rice?

I happen to think that the secret to making good rice is buying REALLY good rice. My favorite brand whom I will never cheat on is Mahatma. Listen I’m sure you have your favorite. But as for me and my house..haha it’s Mahatma. Specifically Mahatma Jasmine rice which I’m using for today’s recipe! Jasmine rice is softer and just so perfect in my opinion for all types of rice recipes!

The secret to perfect rice is great ratios and patience.

First, jasmine rice instructions say for every 1 cup of rice you’ll need 1 1/2 cups of water. I agree. I’ve done it and tested it and that my friends is a great ratio right there. NOW! If you want drier rice use 1/4 LESS cup of water. For moist rice use 1/4 MORE of water. The moral of the story is just follow the directions lol!

Second, DO NOT OPEN THE LID. DON’T open the lid!!! Don’t do it friend and if you do please don’t blame me. I told you so! This was my worst offense those first few years of my rice making disasters. I was lifting the lid and checking on my rice like no ones business! Girlllll. Just don’t.

How to Make Lemon Rice

If you’re looking to add some zest to your rice dish then look no further. Lemon rice is simple and impressive AND can have a lot of different variations. Our recipe happens to to be pretty simple and easy to follow, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced cooks. It combines, fresh lemon juice ( my fav) herbs and spices and of course jasmine rice.

Not only is this rice bursting with flavor, but it also offers a range of health benefits. Did you know lemons are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants?

The History and Cultural Significance of Lemon Rice

Lemon Rice, also known as Chitranna, is actually a traditional South Indian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. In South Indian cuisine, rice is a staple food, like many cultures! Lemon adds a refreshing twist to the dish, making it a very popular choice when it comes to many of their dishes. My rice recipe isn’t as traditional BUT I think you’ll still love the subtle flavors of this dish.

Ingredients for Lemon Rice

To create the perfect Lemon Rice, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of uncooked jasmine rice
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of fine yellow onion
• 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 Lemon
• 1/4 cup of chopped green onions or fresh flat leaf parsley
• 1 tsp of kosher salt

Different Variations and Additions

While our classic Lemon Rice recipe is delicious on its own, you can experiment with different variations and additions to take it to the next level.

• Vegetable Lemon Rice : Add vegetables such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers to make a nutritious and vibrant Vegetable Lemon Rice.
• Coconut Lemon Rice : For a tropical twist, mix in freshly grated coconut or coconut flakes to add a hint of sweetness and a creamy texture.
• Cashew Lemon Rice : Add roasted cashews for a richer and nuttier flavor.
• Spicy Lemon Rice : If you prefer some heat, add chopped green chilies or a dash of chili powder to spice up your Lemon Rice.
• Mint Lemon Rice : Infuse your Lemon Rice with the refreshing flavor of mint leaves by adding a handful of chopped mint while mixing the rice.

Feel free to get creative and tailor the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Lemon Rice is versatile and can be customized to your liking.

Step By Step Instructions for Making Lemon Rice

Step One: Cook the rice according to the package instructions or using a rice cooker. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside to cool.

Step Two:Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent.

Step Three: Place the rice and onions in a large bowl. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and 2 tsp of olive oil and toss.

Step Four: Top off and garnish with chives or parsley.

Step Five: Serve and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Rice

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice if possible.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a more tangy flavor, add an extra squeeze of lemon.
• For added texture, you can add peanuts or pine nuts, but we have a kids who doesn’t like peanuts at all! So I don’t add any nuts. Just give them a little roast before adding them.
• To make your rice more aromatic, you can add a pinch of grated ginger to the pan while sautéing the spices.
• For a POWERFUL punch of flavor replace your water when cooking the rice with chicken stock! Wow!!! It’s a game changer.

I Really Hope you Enjoy This Lemon Rice Friends!

Our Lemon Rice recipe is a simple dish that can instantly add to any meal. Not only is it delicious, but it also offers a range of health benefits, thanks to the vitamin C and antioxidants present in lemons.

So why not give our recipe for Lemon Rice a try? It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. Add some lemon to your next meal and experience a burst of flavor.