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Quick and easy lemon rice

Easy microwave lemon rice

Viola
My microwave lemon rice recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make and comes together in about 20 minutes! It tangy & fluffy and has an amazing texture from the spices and fresh herbs.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian, Indian Fusion
Servings 4
Calories 239 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups water
  • kosher salt
  • 1 large lemon cut in half

For the seasoning

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the rice in a colander under running water until the water runs clear.
  • Now transfer the rice and water into a glass bowl along with some salt. Microwave the rice on high heat for 10 minutes. My microwave power is 1000 Watts, adjust the timing based on your microwave,
  • While the rice is cooking, in a small frying pan heat the coconut oil on medium heat. When it gets hot add in the mustard seeds and let them pop. Now reduce the heat to medium low and add in the curry leaves, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, urad dal and cashews. Cook this mix for 1-2 minutes or until the cashews turn light brown.
  • Now add in the finely chopped ginger and green chilies and cook them for 1-2 minutes. Finally, turn off the heat and add in the turmeric powder. Mix everything well together.
  • After 10 minutes, carefully take out the rice bowl from the microwave using mitts and transfer the seasoning mix into the rice. Mix it well together. Now place the lemon halves (cut side up) on top of the rice and put it back in the microwave for another 6 minutes.
  • When the rice is done cooking, carefully take it out of the microwave using mitts. Now, fish out the lemon halves and squeeze the lemon juice over the rice. ( use tongs to do this since the lemons will be very hot).
  • Finally, add in the chopped cilantro leaves and carefully mix everything together until well combined.
  • Serve this rice while it is still hot perhaps with my chickpea & sweet potato coconut curry!

Notes

  1. This recipe was tested multiple times in my microwave (1000 Watts) using basmati rice and it came out perfectly every time. You will need to adjust the amount of water and cooking time based on your microwave and type of rice.
  2. You can substitute quinoa instead of the rice in this recipe and still follow the exact same instructions to make lemon quinoa instead. All the other instructions will remain the same.
  3. If you're allergic to nuts, leave out the cashews or replace them with seeds (like pumpkin/sunflower) for added texture and crunch in this recipe.

Estimated Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Easy microwave lemon rice
Calories
239
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Sodium
 
10
mg
0
%
Potassium
 
143
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
 
43
g
14
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
5
g
10
%
Vitamin A
 
104
IU
2
%
Vitamin C
 
65
mg
79
%
Calcium
 
43
mg
4
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
*Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
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