Lemon rice

Chennai was an experience for me in many ways!

Yes! I loved it! The vibrancy of an active metro city, the fusion of tradition and the chic, beaches, colors and of course, taste .. the energy was contagious. Even if there was an idle moment, the pull to be in action was so strong. An energy madness it was for me. I would say, at that moment, it was just what I needed

One understands the ecstasy of travel only after indulging in it. Once it begins, it's an insatiable addiction. The craving for new faces, new experiences, new memories lures and it's like the world as one knows it is not enough anymore. One just needs to pack and be on the move for another travesty :D

From my visit to Chennai, I learned something new from a culinary aspect. Rice can be prepared in so many ways!!!! Yes... Soooooo many ways...

In the long list of rice recipes that are on my list, here is lemon rice, so yellow, so tangy, so easy ;)

What I used

1. Vegetable oil: 4 tablespoons
2. Mustard seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
3. Diced medium-sized onion: 1
   PS: Shallots can be used instead of onions. About 10 finely chopped shallots can also be used either alone or as a mix with onion
4. Salt: as needed
5. Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
6. Green chilli: 1
7. Dried red chilli: 1-2
8. Lemon juice of 1 lemon
9. Curry leaves: 1 sprig
10. Basmati/long-grained rice cooked with turmeric and salt: 3 cups

How I made it

1. While making the rice, add enough salt and turmeric powder to the water and cook
2. In a frying pan, heat the oil on medium flame, splutter the mustard seeds and saute the onion till it becomes soft
3. Add a pinch of salt, keeping in mind the rice is salted as well
4. Add the chillies, curry leaves and lime juice and saute well for about 2 minutes
5. Once there that's done, add the cooked rice to the mixture and mix well

This is like a quick-fix dish in case one is bored of the routine dishes

Any good pickle and fresh curd go well with this dish :D :D