Piquant Lemon Rice
NIMBU BHAT
-Recipe from Yamuna mataji
This light, midly piquant lemon-flavored rice dish is enlivened with
crunchy bits of cashew nuts. The final burst of flavor comes from a
fried seasoning called chaunk, made of mustard seeds and split urad dal
fried in ghee or sesame oil until the aromatic oils in the seeds are
released and the dal turns golden brown. This South Indian delight is
simple to make and can be served at any time and at any occasion, from
a simple noonday lunch to an elaborate banquet.
Preparation time (after assembling ingredients): 5 minutes
Cooking time: 25-35 minutes
Serves: 4
1 cup (95 g) basmati or other long-grain white rice
1 2/3-3 cups (400-480 ml) water
1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
3 table spoons (45 ml) ghee or sesame oil
½ cup (75 g) raw cashew bits or halves
½ table spoon (7 ml) split urad dal, if available
1 teaspoon (5 ml) black mustard seeds
1/3 teaspoon (1.5 ml) turmeric
1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh lemon or lime juice
3 table spoons (45 ml) minced fresh parsley or coarsely chopped coriander
¼ cup (25 g) fresh or dried shredded coconut for garnishing.
1. If basmati rice is used, clean, wash, soak and drain as explained on page.4
2.
Bring the water to a boil in a heavy 1 ½ -quart/liter nonstick
saucepan. Stir in the rice, salt and ½ table spoon (7 ml) of the ghee
or oil. Cover with a tight-fitting kid. Reduce the heat to very low and
gently simmer without stirring for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is
fluffy and tender and the water is fully absorbed. Set aside, still
covered.
3. Heat the remaining 2 ½ table spoons
(37 ml) of ghee or oil in a small saucepan over moderately low heat
until it is hot. Drop in the cashew nuts and stir-fry until golden
brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and pour them over the cooked rice.
Cover the rice again.
4. Raise the heat under the
saucepan slightly, toss in the urad dal and the mustard seeds and fry
until the mustard seeds turn gray and sputter and the dal turns
reddish-brown.
5. Pour the fried spices into the
cooked rice and sprinkle with the turmeric, lemon or lime juice and
parsley or coriander. Gently fold until well mixed.
6. Remove from the heat and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of coconut.