This Hare Krishna Lemon Rice recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines rice with aromatic spices, nuts, and a tangy lemon juice. This dish is perfect for those who follow a sattvic diet, free from onions and garlic, making it suitable for offering to Krishna.
Prepared with love and devotion, Lemon Rice is a beloved dish among devotees and a delightful addition to any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Hare Krishna Lemon Rice can be enjoyed in various ways:
- As a Main Course: Serve Lemon Rice with a side of plain yogurt or raita for a complete and satisfying meal.
- With Pickles: Add a tangy Indian pickle to enhance the flavors of the Lemon Rice.
- With Papadums: Serve with crispy papadums for a delightful contrast in texture.
- With Chutney: Pair with a sweet or spicy chutney to complement the tangy flavors of the Lemon Rice.
These serving suggestions make for a balanced and satisfying meal, fostering a sense of community and togetherness when shared with fellow devotees.
History
Hare Krishna Lemon Rice has a special place in the hearts of devotees. This recipe was developed to create a flavorful and satisfying meal that adheres to the principles of a sattvic diet, free from onions and garlic. Lemon Rice is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, and this version, with its emphasis on purity and devotion, has become a staple in many Hare Krishna kitchens.
Bhakti Thought
Hare Krishna Lemon Rice is more than just a dish; it is an expression of creativity, nourishment, and devotion. By preparing and offering this Lemon Rice to Krishna, we engage in the sacred practice of bhakti, transforming the act of cooking into a spiritual journey. This dish serves as a reminder that even the simplest of ingredients, when combined with devotion and care, can create something extraordinary. Let this Lemon Rice inspire you to cook with a heart full of love and to see each meal as an offering to Krishna, bringing us closer to Him with every bite.
PrintLemon Rice Recipe
Hare Krishna Lemon Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish, inspired by the principles of bhakti yoga. This rich Lemon Rice combines wholesome ingredients, creating a harmonious blend that enhances any meal. In the tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, cooking and offering food to Krishna is an act of love and devotion, known as bhakti. Each dish is prepared with care, mindfulness, and a pure heart, making it not just a meal but a spiritual offering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice (makes about 6 cups cooked rice)
- 6 tbsp ghee
- 3 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tsp cardamom pods
- 3 tsp urad dal
- 3 tsp chana dal
- A couple of handfuls of cashews
- A couple of handfuls of raisins
- 3 pinches turmeric
- 3 cups mixed vegetables
- 6 lemons (plus optional lemon zest)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Cook the rice with the cardamom pods, whole cloves, and bay leaves. Set aside.
- Heat the Ghee: In a large pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Fry until the dals turn golden brown.
- Add Nuts and Raisins: Add the cashews and raisins. Fry until the cashews turn golden brown and the raisins swell up.
- Add Spices and Vegetables: Add the turmeric and mixed vegetables. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Combine with Rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix well to coat the rice with the spice mixture.
- Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of the lemons into a bowl, remove any seeds, and pour the lemon juice over the rice. Mix thoroughly.
- Garnish: Add Lemon zest from one lemon and fresh coriander leaves to garnish.
- Serve: Offer to Krishna and serve hot.
Notes
- Nut and Raisin Tip: Frying the nuts and raisins adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to the Lemon Rice.
- Pre-Cook Vegetables: You can pre-cook the mixed vegetables to ensure they are tender and blend well with the rice.
- Serving Tip: Serve Lemon Rice with a side of fresh lime or lemon wedges to enhance the tangy flavors.
- Leftovers: Lemon Rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Garnish: Add optional lemon zest and fresh coriander leaves to the finished rice to give it a fresher lemon taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg