Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup brown rice (uncooked)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or lime juice (adjust as needed)
• Salt (to taste, use less if desired)
• 1 teaspoon oil (preferably olive or coconut oil)
• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
• 1 green chili, slit (optional)
• 1 sprig curry leaves (optional)
• A pinch of hing (asafoetida, optional)
• ½ teaspoon ginger, grated or minced
• 1 dried red chili, broken (optional)

Method:

1. Wash the brown rice a few times and drain the water completely.
2. On a low flame, cover and cook in a large pot with 1 ½ – 2 cups water for about 15 minutes until fully cooked but still grainy.
3. Cool the rice completely. Sprinkle salt, lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon oil evenly over the rice and mix. This helps keep the rice grainy and firm. Adjust salt and lemon juice to taste.
4. Heat a pan with 1 teaspoon oil on medium to low flame. When hot, add the red chili and mustard seeds, allowing them to crackle.
5. Add ginger and green chili (if using). When the leaves turn crisp (if using curry leaves), add hing and turmeric.
6. Ensure not to burn the ginger; otherwise, it will make the rice bitter.
7. Pour this mixture over the cooled rice and mix everything well. Keep the rice covered for 20 to 25 minutes.
8. Serve the lemon rice with plain yogurt or a side of green chutney for added flavor.

Nutritional Breakdown (Approx. per serving):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Dietary Fiber: 4 g
• Total Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 150 mg (adjust based on salt used)

Tips:

• Consider adding more vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added fiber and nutrients while keeping the calories low.
• Pair it with a source of protein (like grilled chicken or legumes) for a more balanced meal.

FAQs

1. Is lemon brown rice healthy?
Yes. Brown rice is a whole grain rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and when flavored with lemon, it makes a light, gut-friendly dish that supports balanced eating and digestion. 

2. Can lemon brown rice help with weight loss?
Yes. Because it’s high in fiber and low in unhealthy fats, lemon brown rice keeps you full longer and supports weight-management goals when included as part of a balanced diet.

3. Is lemon brown rice good for digestion?
Absolutely. The fiber in brown rice helps promote healthy digestion, and lemon adds vitamin C and a refreshing taste that makes meals easier on the stomach.

4. Can I eat lemon brown rice every day?
Yes, you can enjoy lemon brown rice regularly as long as you balance it with vegetables, protein, and healthy fats in your meals for complete nutrition. 

5. Is this recipe gluten-free and vegan?
Yes. Lemon brown rice can be gluten-free and vegan if prepared with plant-based oil and no gluten ingredients, making it suitable for many dietary needs. 

6. What pairs well with lemon brown rice?
Lemon brown rice goes well with grilled vegetables, curries, roasted chicken, tofu, and salads or can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing light meal.

7. How long does it take to cook lemon brown rice?
Cooking brown rice generally takes longer than white rice (around 30–45 minutes), but the result is wholesome and tasty when mixed with fresh lemon juice/zest at the end.