Royapuram-Style Lemon Rice with Mustard Seeds

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant and tangy lemon rice flavored with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and roasted peanuts, perfect for a quick and satisfying South Indian meal. This indian-inspired rice & grains (vegan) ready in about 20 minutes pairs cooked basmati rice, oil, mustard seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1 tsp urad dal, and 1 tsp chana dal. Fry until mustard seeds pop and dals turn golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 finely chopped green chilies and 10 curry leaves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 tsp turmeric powder and immediately add 3 cups cooked basmati rice. Mix gently to combine the spices evenly with the rice.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup roasted peanuts and salt to taste, tossing everything together carefully to avoid breaking the rice grains.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves. Serve warm as a light meal or side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Royapuram-Style Lemon Rice with Mustard Seeds take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Royapuram-Style Lemon Rice with Mustard Seeds?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cooked basmati rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Royapuram-Style Lemon Rice with Mustard Seeds?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Royapuram-Style Lemon Rice with Mustard Seeds for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Royapuram-Style Lemon Rice with Mustard Seeds vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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