Lemon Rice

Lemon Rice is also called Chitrannam and is a South Indian recipe. Spicy and tart at the same time.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups basmati rice
3 cups water

1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
1 teaspoon husked black gram dal (urad dal)
2-3 dried chilies (optional)
1 tablespoon peanuts or cashew nuts (optional)
I sprig curry leaves (can leave out if not available)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon salt
Juice from 1 1/2 – 2 lemons
Cilantro leaf to garnish (optional)

Method:
Wash and drain the rice. Add water and bring to a boil, simmer on low for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and leave for an hour to cool or spread out on a plate to cool faster. Set aside.
Heat oil in a pan on medium-high and add the mustard seeds. When they begin to pop, add black gram dal, curry leaves, cashew nuts and dried chilies. Saute for a minute or two until the black gram dal turns light brown. Remove from heat and add salt and turmeric. Add the lemon juice. Toss in the rice and heat through. Allow to rest for 10 minutes so all the flavors blend. Garnish with cilantro leaves.

Serve with papadums and hot pickles.