Traditional South Indian quick lemon rice also known as chitranna or nimmakaya pulihora is a popular dish. To make this, precooked rice is tempered with spices, dal, curry leaves and nuts. Lastly it is mixed with fresh lemon juice to impart a refreshing and delicious flavor.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 3
Ingredients
• Three-quarters teaspoon mustard seeds
• One sprig curry leaves
• Four tablespoon peanuts or cashews
• One and a half cups uncooked rice
• Two to three tablespoons lemon juice
• Two dried red chilies, broken
• Half teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• Two tablespoon oil
• Quarter to half teaspoon turmeric powder
• Two green chili
• Half tablespoon ginger, finely chopped
Method
• To begin, rinse the rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear, then drain completely.
• In a large pot, cook the rice on low heat with three cups of water or the amount you typically use for your desired consistency. Aim for rice that is fully cooked but remains firm and grainy, not mushy.
• Once the rice is cooked, use a fork to gently fluff it up and set it aside to cool completely. This step is crucial for maintaining the rice’s grainy texture.
• Heat a pan over medium heat and add half a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the peanuts or cashews and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
• In the same pan, pour an additional one and a half tablespoons of oil and add the mustard seeds. Fry on medium heat until the seeds begin to pop and release their aroma.
• Next, add the finely chopped ginger, green chilis, broken red chilies (if using), and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté for about thirty seconds or until the curry leaves become crisp, being careful not to burn the ginger, which can turn bitter if overcooked.
• Quickly add the turmeric, and salt to the pan, followed by two to three tablespoons of water. Stir well and allow the water to evaporate, softening the lentils while retaining a slight crunch. Remove the pan from the heat.
• Transfer the fragrant tempered mixture to the cooled rice and mix gently to distribute the flavors evenly.
• Ensure that the rice has cooled completely before adding the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix well to incorporate the tangy citrus notes throughout the dish.
• Taste the lemon rice and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
• Finally, garnish the zesty lemon rice with the roasted peanuts or cashews for added texture and serve alongside a dollop of creamy yogurt for a satisfying and delightful meal.
Mango smoothie
Start your day on a refreshing note or indulge in a sweet treat in the evening with this invigorating mango smoothie. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this smoothie is sure to energize and delight your taste buds.
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 3
Ingredients
• Two to two and a half cups of ripe mangoes
• Two large sweet oranges
• One medium banana
• Half a cup of yogurt
• Half a cup of ice, water, or any juice of your choice
Method
• First, thoroughly wash the mangoes and oranges. Peel the mangoes and cut them into bite-sized chunks or slices. For the oranges, carefully remove the peel, pith, and seeds, leaving only the juicy segments.
• If you prefer a chilled smoothie, place the prepared fruits in the freezer for about an hour before blending.
• In a blender, combine the mango chunks, orange segments, and peeled banana. To facilitate smooth blending, add a quarter cup of liquid such as plain water, your favorite juice, whey from homemade yogurt, or nut milk.
• Blend all the ingredients together until they form a smooth and creamy consistency, ensuring that no chunks remain.
• For an even colder and thicker smoothie, add a few ice cubes to the blender and pulse until they are fully incorporated.
• Once the desired consistency is achieved, pour the mango smoothie into glasses and serve immediately.
• Optionally, garnish the smoothie with a slice of mango or a sprinkle of freshly grated orange zest for added visual appeal and a burst of citrus aroma.
• Enjoy this refreshing and nutritious mango smoothie as a morning pick-me-up, a mid-day snack, or a delightful after-dinner treat. The natural sweetness of the mangoes and oranges, combined with the creaminess of the banana and yogurt, creates a perfectly balanced and satisfying beverage.
