Lime or Lemon Rice

Lime is a citrus fruit which is green or yellow in colour with an acidic taste and flavour.  It has a high content of
Vitamin C 
and the juice of lime is most often used in accentuating the flavours of drinks or in the preparation of various dishes!!  Limes are similar to lemons except that the limes are more fragrant than lemons!
Choose limes that are heavy, which possibly have more juice!
Pickles made out of limes taste delicious and has a longer shelf life if stored in a cool dry place!!

This recipe can be prepared with the juice of lemons as well.
A quick and easy dish, which can be prepared under 20 minutes- and the time taken is only in the preparation
of the rice!!

Ingredients to serve 6 people

1 Cup Rice
2 Cups Water
½ Cup Fresh Lime Juice
1-2 Tsp Salt
The ingredients mentioned below to prepare the spice powder is optional – you may prefer to use it or not
1 Tsp Fenugreek Seeds
1 pinch Asafoetida

For Seasoning

2 Tbs Oil
1 Tsp Mustard Seeds
2 Tsp Urad Dal
2 Tsp Channa Dal (optional)
1-2 Green Chilli (sliced lengthwise)
1 inch Piece Ginger (finely grated or chopped)
½ Tsp Turmeric Powder
¼ Tsp Asafoetida Powder
2 Tbs Cashew nuts (chopped)
2 Tbs Raw Peanuts (Optional)
A Sprig Curry Leaves

Preparation

Wash the rice thoroughly and cook the rice with the 2 cups of water
Squeeze the juice from the limes and keep aside

This additional spice powder mentioned below is optional
Dry roast the fenugreek seeds for a minute or so till it splutters
Heat half a teaspoon of the oil in a pan and add the asafoetida and fry it for a few seconds
Powder the fried asafoetida with the fenugreek seeds and keep aside.

Add the mustard seeds in the remainder of the oil and when the mustard seeds crackle add all the above ingredients mentioned above for “seasoning”.
Fry till the ‘Dals’ and nuts turn golden brown.
Add the seasoning mix to the rice, sprinkle the salt and mix it thoroughly.
Sprinkle the powdered asafoetida and roasted fenugreek mix on the rice.
Pour in the limejuice and stir the rice gently with a wooden ladle but thoroughly

The Lime Rice is ready to be served

Note:  The spice powder which is in this recipe is optional and to suit to individuals’ taste.  This rice dish is quite mild and gentle on the stomach.  Tastes awesome with fried papads!!!