South Indian lemon rice

Lemon rice is a popular South Indian dish known for its tangy and flavorful taste. Here's a simple recipe for making lemon rice:

### Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cooled)
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 1 tablespoon urad dal (split black gram)
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1-2 dried red chilies
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 2 tablespoons peanuts or cashews (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Rice:**
- If you don't have leftover rice, cook 1 cup of raw rice in 2 cups of water and let it cool. Spread it on a plate to prevent clumping.

2. **Temper the Spices:**
- Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add cumin seeds, chana dal, and urad dal. Fry until the dals turn golden brown.
- Add peanuts or cashews if using and fry until they are golden.
- Add green chilies, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute.
- Add asafoetida and turmeric powder. Stir well.

3. **Combine Rice and Seasonings:**
- Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix gently to coat the rice with the spice mixture.
- Add salt to taste and stir well.
- Turn off the heat and add lemon juice. Mix thoroughly but gently to avoid breaking the rice grains.

4. **Garnish and Serve:**
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with papad, pickle, or yogurt on the side.

Enjoy your delicious and tangy lemon rice!