In terms of South Indian food, Garlic Lemon Rice is one of the most colorful and comforting meals you can serve.
Bright and zesty lemon, aromatic garlic and tempered mustard seeds and curry leaves can only come together to create a rice dish that is comforting and to which you may feel drawn – oh so easy to prepare but so satisfying on so many levels!
What may help elevate Garlic Lemon Rice from a simple accompaniment to a soul satisfying meal is what you serve Garlic Lemon Rice with.
Whether it be the tangy depth of flavor in Vegetable Sambar, the simple cooling comfort of Raita, the nuttiness of Coconut Chutney, the richness of Mixed Vegetable Curry or the spicy warmth of Tomato Rasam – by each dish bringing something unique to serve with come together to elevate a simple and easy meal to something special!
Garlic Lemon Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cooled)
- 1 tbsp oil (coconut or sesame oil works great)
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp urad dal
- 1 tsp chana dal
- 6–8 garlic cloves, sliced
- 2 dried red chilies
- 2–3 green chilies, slit
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- Juice of 1 large lemon (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Make the Tempering: Heat the oil in a pan. Pour in the mustard seeds and let them crackle. Then add urad dal and chana dal. Saute until golden brown.
Add the Aromatics: Add the sliced garlic and saute until golden and fragrant. Now add the dried red chilies, green chilies and curry leaves.
Add Spices: Add the turmeric powder and salt. Stir well.
Add the Rice: Add the cooled, cooked rice into the pan. Gently stir to coat the rice evenly in the spices and garlic.
Finish with Lemon: Turn off the heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over rice. Mix well.
Serve Warm: Garnish with coriander if you wish, and serve warm.
Pairing Ideas: The Perfect South Indian Platter
Garlic Lemon Rice is delicious on its own, but when paired with traditional South Indian accompaniments, the meal becomes truly memorable. Let’s look at each companion dish and why it works so well.
1. Vegetable Sambar
A bowl of hot, fragrant Vegetable Sambar brings warmth and heft to the meal. Made with toor dal, tamarind sauce, and several vegetables (drumstick, carrot, and beans etc), this dish provides a lovely trifecta of sour, spicy, and savory flavors.
Why it works: The tangy sambar enhances the lively lemon in the rice, and the vegetables and lentils provide heft and added nutrition to the meal.
Pro Tip: Consider adding a spoon of ghee on top for added richness!
2. Raita
With its coolness, refreshing staleness, and mild spiciness—and because it’s yogurt-based—Raita is a great counter to the intense flavor of Garlic Lemon Rice. You can use plain cucumber or boondi or onion-tomato Raitas.
Why it works: The yogurt is soothing on the palette and provides a creamy contrast to the tart and spicy rice and sides.
Variation idea: You could also throw some chopped mint and a pinch of roasted cumin for added fragrance.
3. Coconut Chutney
While usually served with dosas and idlis, Coconut chutney can also be a delightful accompaniment to lemon rice. Coconut chutney is made with fresh grated coconut, green chilies, and tempered mustard seeds, which complement each other and create a mild nuttiness with some subtle heat.
Why it works: The creaminess from the coconut complements the acidity of the lemon and rounds out the pungency of the garlic.
Serving tip: Serve it chilled for an added refreshing contrast.
4. Mixed Vegetable Curry
A dry or semi-dry Mixed Vegetable Curry, sauteed with spices and coconut or tomato base adds depth and richness to the plate. Use vegetables like potatoes, carrots, peas, and beans.
Why it Works: The spicy and hearty texture of the curry provides a delicious partner for the rice and makes each bite more fulfilling.
Optional Add-in: Cashews or paneer chunks for extra texture and protein.
5. Tomato Rasam
Rasam, especially Tomato Rasam, is an integral part of any South Indian thali. It’s a soup-like broth made with tamarind, tomatoes, and black pepper that is spicy and soothing at the same time.
Why it works: The rasam’s tangy, peppery profile cleanses your palate and rounds off the meal.
How to enjoy it: Drink it like soup or pour it over your rice to finish your meal on a tasty note.
Tips for the Perfect South Indian Platter
Balance is Essential: Aim for spicy (sambar, rasam), tangy (lemon rice), creamy (raita), and nutty (coconut chutney).
Textural Contrast is important: Provide contrast of textures: crispy garlic, soft vegetables, smooth chutney, and fluffy rice.
Freshness: Use fresh herbs and fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and temper spices immediately before serving to maximize flavor.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Lemon Rice is a winner when paired with traditional South Indian sides to ensure everyone’s enjoyment, including a great side of Vegetable Sambar, Raita, Coconut Chutney, basically favourite Mixed Vegetable Curry, and Tomato Rasam.
What a flavour combination and textural combination. You can either prepare your own feast or a casual pleasurable lunch on the weekend. You can’t go wrong with either.
Besides the exceptional flavour, the dish, and sides vegetarian, nutritious and wholesome, packed with lentils, vegetables and habaneros. It rates a true South Indian feast.
So next time you are looking to eat simply yet fortifying, bring out the garlic, squeeze the lemon and lay the table for a South Indian feast.
