Lemon Rice

Serves: to serve 6

Prep Time: 40 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

Ready In: 55 mins

1 lb - Basmati rice

1½ pints - water

1 teaspoon - salt

2 - lemons

¼ teaspoon - turmeric powder

5 tablespoons - vegetable oil

½ teaspoon - black mustard seeds

8 - curry leaves

8 - 10 - peanuts

3 - green chilies

Wash and drain the rice 2-3 times, then soak it in water for 15-20 minutes to soften it and remove any excess starch. Put the water in a large pan, bring to the boil and add the rice and the salt. Once it boils cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes. Check the rice after about 10 minutes and, if necessary, add a little more water (if the water is evaporating too quickly before the rice is cooked, it generally means you have the heat turned too high).
When the rice has softened and absorbed all the water, squeeze the lemons and add the lemon juice, turmeric and a pinch of salt to the rice. Stir well and spread it on a broad plate to cool a little. Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the mustard seeds until they begin to splutter. Add the curry leaves and peanuts and fry quickly until they brown, then add in green chilies, and fry for 2 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat, add the cooked rice and mix well. Your lemon rice is now ready to be served with the dish of your choice.