Step 1

Wash rice a few times and drain the water completely.

Step 2

On a low flame cover and cook it in a large pot with 3 cups water.

Step 3

The rice must be cooked fully but grainy and not mushy. OR You can also cook it in a pressure cooker by placing the rice bowl in the cooker. Cook for 2 to 3 whistles.

Step 4

Fluff up the rice gently with a fork and cool completely. This helps to keep the rice grainy & firm.

Step 5

Heat a pan with ½ tbsp oil on a medium.

Step 6

Add peanuts or cashews and fry until golden and crunchy. Remove them to a plate.

Step 7

Pour another 1½ tbsp of oil and add mustard, urad dal & chana dal. Fry on a medium flame until the dals turn golden & aromatic.

Step 8

Next add ginger, green chilis, red chilies(optional) and curry leaves. Fry them until the leaves turn crisp for about 30 seconds. Do not fry for too long, ginger will turn bitter.

Step 9

Then add hing, turmeric and salt. Immediately pour 2 to 3 tbsps water and stir.

Step 10

Quickly water will evaporate and turn the dal softer yet keeping them slightly crunchy. Turn off the stove and remove from the heat.

Step 11

Transfer this to the cooled rice. (or Alternately add the cooled rice to the pan). Ensure the rice is cooled completely then squeeze the lemon juice and give a good mix.

Step 12

Taste the lemon rice. If needed sprinkle more salt and add more lemon juice. Garnish with roasted peanuts or cashews. Serve lemon rice with plain yogurt, papad or pickle.

Step 13

Rinse 1 ½ cups basmati rice at least thrice. Drain and set this aside.

Step 14

Press the saute button. When it displays hot, pour 2 tbsps oil to the inner pot of the instant pot.

Step 15

Then add in 3 to 4 tbsps peanuts or cashews. Fry them until golden and aromatic. Remove and set aside for garnish.

Step 16

Add 1½ tsp chana dal, 1 tsp urad dal, ¾ tsp mustard seeds, 1 to 2 slit green chilies, 1 sprig curry leaves. Fry them until lightly golden.

Step 17

Next add ginger, a pinch of hing & ¼ tsp turmeric. Give a good stir.

Step 18

Pour 1¾ cups water and add salt. Press CANCEL button. Deglaze by scrubbing the bottom of the pot with the spatula to avoid burn notice.

Step 19

Add rice and mix well. Taste the water & add more salt if needed.

Step 20

Secure the lid of the IP with the steam release handle set to sealing position. Press the PRESSURE COOK button and set the timer to 5 mins.

Step 21

When the Lemon rice is done, the IP beeps. Wait for the pressure to release naturally for 5 to 7 minutes. Then with the help of a spoon release the pressure manually, by moving the steam release handle from sealing to venting.

Step 22

Open the lid and remove the inner pot & set aside.

Step 23

When the temperature comes down a bit, squeeze in the lemon juice and gently stir it. If needed add more lemon juice and salt.

Step 24

Garnish lemon rice with roasted peanuts and serve with yogurt.