Certainly! Kodo Millet Lemon Rice is a flavorful and nutritious South Indian dish that combines the tangy zest of lemon with the wholesome goodness of kodo millet. This recipe offers a refreshing twist to the traditional lemon rice by incorporating kodo millet, which is gluten-free and rich in fiber, making it a healthy choice. Here’s how you can prepare Kodo Millet Lemon Rice:

Kodo Millet Lemon Rice: A Refreshing and Nutritious Dish

Ingredients:

• 1 cup kodo millet
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
• 1/2 teaspoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1/4 cup peanuts
• 2-3 dry red chilies, broken into pieces
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Juice of 1-2 lemons (adjust to taste)
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook Kodo Millet

1. Rinse and Soak: Rinse kodo millet thoroughly under running water. Soak it in enough water for 20-30 minutes.
2. Cook Kodo Millet: Drain the soaked kodo millet and transfer it to a saucepan. Add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Simmer: Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the millet is cooked and all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare Lemon Rice

1. Temper Ingredients: Heat oil in a large pan or kadhai over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add cumin seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and peanuts. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown.
2. Add Aromatics: Add broken dry red chilies, asafoetida (hing), curry leaves, and slit green chilies. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
3. Add Turmeric and Millet: Add turmeric powder and mix well. Add the cooked and cooled kodo millet to the pan. Mix gently to combine with the tempering.
4. Seasoning: Add salt to taste and mix well. Turn off the heat.
5. Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze lemon juice over the rice. Start with the juice of one lemon and adjust according to your taste preference. Mix well to distribute the lemon juice evenly.

Step 3: Serve Kodo Millet Lemon Rice

1. Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
2. Serve: Serve Kodo Millet Lemon Rice warm or at room temperature as a standalone dish or with yogurt, pickle, or papadums.

Tips for Perfect Kodo Millet Lemon Rice:

• Rinsing and Soaking: Rinse kodo millet well to remove any impurities before soaking. Soaking helps in cooking evenly and faster.
• Tempering: The tempering (tadka) with mustard seeds, dals, and curry leaves adds essential flavor to the dish. Ensure the dals are well-roasted for a crunchy texture.
• Lemon Juice: Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference. You can also add lemon zest for extra lemony flavor.
• Variations: Add roasted cashews or grated coconut for added texture and flavor. You can also include finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
• Storage: Kodo Millet Lemon Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.

Enjoy the Refreshing Dish!

Kodo Millet Lemon Rice is a delightful blend of tangy lemon flavor with the wholesome goodness of kodo millet, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. Embrace the simplicity and nutrition of this South Indian favorite in your next meal!