This one-pot lemon vegetable rice is a light, comforting dish made with fragrant rice, gentle spices, and fresh lemon flavour. It is commonly enjoyed for lunch or a simple dinner, especially on busy days when you want something homemade without spending too long in the kitchen.
The recipe works well for home cooking because everything is cooked in a single pan, the ingredients are easy to find, and the method is straightforward. The flavours are fresh and balanced, making it suitable for the whole family.
Recipe Information
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Serves: 3 to 4
Difficulty level: Easy
Ingredients
Main ingredients
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1 cup basmati rice
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2 cups water
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1 tablespoon oil
Vegetables
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½ cup carrots, finely chopped
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¼ cup green beans, finely chopped
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¼ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
Spices and flavouring
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½ teaspoon mustard seeds
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½ teaspoon cumin seeds
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¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
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Salt to taste
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Zest of 1 lemon
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
To finish
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2 tablespoons roasted peanuts
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander
Step-by-Step Method
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Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
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Heat the oil in a deep saucepan on medium heat.
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Add the mustard seeds and let them pop, then add the cumin seeds and stir for a few seconds.
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Add the chopped carrots, beans, and peas. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
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Add the rinsed rice, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix gently so the rice is coated with the spices.
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Pour in the water and stir once. Bring to a gentle boil.
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Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
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Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
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Fluff the rice with a fork, then add lemon zest and lemon juice. Mix gently.
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Sprinkle over roasted peanuts and fresh coriander before serving.
Cooking Tips
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Keep the heat low once the rice is covered to prevent sticking or burning.
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Always fluff the rice gently to keep the grains separate.
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Add lemon juice after cooking to keep the flavour fresh and bright.
Variations
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Vegan: The recipe is naturally vegan.
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Gluten-free: This dish is naturally gluten-free.
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Less tangy: Reduce the lemon juice to 1 tablespoon for a milder taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with plain yoghurt, cucumber raita, or a simple vegetable salad. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but also works well for lunchboxes.
Storage and Reheating
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
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Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water, or in the microwave until hot.
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Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the rice may change.
Recipe Image Description:
A top-down photograph of lemon vegetable rice served in a simple white ceramic bowl, with fluffy basmati rice grains mixed with small pieces of carrot, green beans, and peas. Roasted peanuts and fresh coriander are sprinkled on top. The bowl sits on a light stone surface with a lemon wedge placed to the side. Soft natural daylight, clean uncluttered background, sharp focus on the rice, natural colours, realistic home-style presentation.
