Lemon Rice

Lemon Rice is a vibrant, tangy South Indian dish made by flavoring cooked rice with lemon juice, turmeric, and a tempering of spices like mustard seeds, curry leaves, and peanuts. It's a staple in states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, often served as a quick meal, a festive offering, or a travel-friendly snack.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is primarily a carbohydrate-rich meal from the rice, with moderate healthy fats from the tempering oil and peanuts, and minimal protein. A typical serving provides around 250-350 calories, along with key nutrients like vitamin C from the lemon and antioxidants from the spices.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	300 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbs	55 g
Fat	7 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	400 mg
Potassium	250 mg
Iron	2 mg
Magnesium	30 mg
Phosphorus	80 mg
Vitamin C	10 mg
Folate	40 mcg
Manganese	0.8 mg
Selenium	12 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Lemon Rice is a key part of South Indian temple offerings (prasad) and is often prepared during festivals for its auspicious yellow color from turmeric. Nutritionally, the combination of lemon juice with turmeric may enhance the absorption of curcumin, a beneficial compound in the spice.