Vegan Rice

Lemon Coconut Rice Recipe (South Indian Style)

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🍋 Lemon Coconut Rice Recipe (South Indian Style)

A refreshing, aromatic, and easy-to-make dish, Lemon Coconut Rice is a perfect blend of tangy lemon and rich coconut flavors. Popular across South India, this comforting meal is ideal for lunchboxes, quick dinners, or festive occasions.

🥥 What is Lemon Coconut Rice?

Lemon Coconut Rice is a flavorful South Indian dish made with cooked rice, fresh grated coconut, lemon juice, and aromatic tempering spices. It offers a perfect balance of tangy, nutty, and mildly spicy flavors, making it a crowd favorite.

🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • ✅ Ready in under 25 minutes
  • ✅ Vegan and gluten-free
  • ✅ Perfect for lunchboxes & travel
  • ✅ Light, refreshing, and satisfying
  • ✅ Uses simple pantry ingredients

🛒 Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice (cooled)
  • ½ cup fresh grated coconut
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tbsp oil (preferably coconut oil)
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp urad dal (split black gram)
  • 1–2 dried red chilies
  • 2 green chilies (slit)
  • 8–10 curry leaves
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tbsp roasted peanuts or cashews
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Rice

Cook rice and let it cool completely. Fluffy, non-sticky rice works best.

2️⃣ Make the Tempering

Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
Add urad dal, dried red chilies, and peanuts. Sauté until golden.

3️⃣ Add Aromatics

Add curry leaves and green chilies. Stir for a few seconds.
Sprinkle turmeric powder and mix well.

4️⃣ Add Coconut

Add freshly grated coconut and sauté lightly for 1–2 minutes.

5️⃣ Combine Rice

Add cooked rice and mix gently to coat with the tempering.

6️⃣ Add Lemon Juice

Turn off the heat, then add lemon juice and salt. Mix well.

7️⃣ Garnish & Serve

Garnish with coriander leaves and serve warm or at room temperature.

🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Coconut Rice

  • Use fresh coconut for authentic flavor
  • Always add lemon juice after turning off the heat to keep it fresh and tangy
  • Avoid overcooking coconut—it should stay soft and aromatic
  • Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity (optional)
  • Use leftover rice for best texture

🍛 Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with coconut chutney or pickle
  • Pair with papad or curd for a complete meal
  • Great as a lunchbox or picnic dish

🥗 Variations You Can Try

  • Spicy Version: Add extra green chilies or red chili powder
  • Nut-Free Version: Skip peanuts and cashews
  • Protein Boost: Add tofu cubes or boiled chickpeas
  • Vegan South Indian Combo: Serve with sambar and chutney

❓ FAQs

1. Can I use leftover rice?

Yes, leftover rice works perfectly as it stays firm and non-sticky.

2. Can I use desiccated coconut?

Fresh coconut is best, but desiccated coconut can be used in a pinch—just rehydrate slightly.

3. How long does it stay fresh?

It stays fresh for up to 1 day at room temperature or 2 days when refrigerated.

4. Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, Lemon Coconut Rice is completely vegan and gluten-free.

5. Can I skip peanuts?

Absolutely, you can replace them with cashews or omit them entirely.

🚀 Expert Cooking Tips for SEO Snippets

  • Best rice for lemon coconut rice: short-grain or sona masoori rice
  • Key flavor: fresh lemon juice + coconut + tempering spices
  • Cooking time: 20–25 minutes total

📣 Final Thoughts

Lemon Coconut Rice is a delightful combination of tangy citrus and rich coconut flavors that instantly uplift your meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weekday or a festive gathering, this recipe guarantees taste, simplicity, and satisfaction in every bite.

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