Lemons are one of the most common fruits in the world. But did you know they’re also one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen?

Lemon Cuisine, originating from India, uses lemons as the main ingredient to create vibrant and flavorful dishes. From traditional Indian curries to Italian pasta, lemon adds a zesty and refreshing touch to any dish.

So, what ingredients do you need for Lemon Cuisine? Lemons, of course! You’ll also need onion, garlic, ginger, spices such as cumin and turmeric, and any protein or vegetables of your choice.

Are you curious about how you can use lemons to make incredible dishes in your kitchen? Keep reading to learn about lemon cuisine and some amazing Indian dishes you can make with lemons.

What Is Lemon Cuisine?

The cuisine of India is diverse and has a lot of different sub-elements and groups. One of those sub-elements is lemon cuisine which, as its name suggests, uses lemons as a primary ingredient in Indian dishes. 

In India, lemon is often added at the end of cooking to add brightness and balance to curries, rice dishes, and vegetable stir-fries. You can find these lemon dishes are your favorite all-you-can-eat Indian food restaurant.

Lemon Cuisine, lemon juice, zest, and even whole segments add a tart and citrusy flavor to dishes. It’s a common practice in Indian cooking to squeeze lemon juice on top of finished dishes before serving. Still, Lemon Cuisine takes it a step further by incorporating lemons into the cooking process. Lemon cuisine is firmly at the heart of Indian food.

Lemon Cuisine has been popular in India for centuries, but its impact can also be felt in western cuisine. So next time you’re looking for a new way to spice up your cooking, give Lemon Cuisine a try!

Lemon Cuisine Recipe

Lemon Cuisine, lemon juice, zest, and even whole segments add a tart and citrusy flavor to dishes. It's a common practice in Indian cooking to squeeze lemon juice on top of finished dishes before serving. Since lemon cuisine is so diverse, here are two different dishes from the lemon cuisine of India. The first is a quick lemon rice recipe. The second is a delicious lemon curry.

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Prep Time 2 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 27 mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 people

Calories 273 kcal

Ingredients

  

Lemon Rice:

• 1.5 cups Uncooked basmati rice
• 1 Onion, diced
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp Ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 2 Tbsp Oil
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• Roasted peanuts
• ½ teaspoons Turmeric powder
• 2 Chili peppers
• 1.5 teaspoons Garam masala
• 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
• ½ Tbsp Ginger
• Salt and pepper

Lemon Curry:

• Chicken cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 1 Onion, diced
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp Ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 can Diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
• 1 can Coconut milk (14 ounces)
• 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 cup Green beans, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• ¼ cups Cilantro, chopped

Instructions

 

Lemon Rice:

• Wash the rice under running water at least three times or until the watch is no longer cloudy.
• Prepare the vegetables. It would be best to cut the peppers and onions the same size so they will cook evenly.
• In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Roast the dried spices and mustard seed until they become aromatic.
• Add the ginger, chili peppers, onion, and garlic. Saute for a minute before adding the rice and toasting the rice for another 2 minutes.
• Add 2 cups of water and lemon juice, and bring to a boil before reducing to a simmer for about 20 minutes. Cover the rice while it is simmering.
• Once the rice is cooked and the water is gone, stir in the lemon zest, roasted peanuts, and salt and pepper to taste. Fluff with a fork and serve hot with your choice of protein or vegetables.

Lemon Curry:

• Heat oil over medium heat and add the mustard seeds to a pan. Once they start popping, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until soft before adding turmeric, cumin, and green beans.
• Stir in diced tomatoes and coconut milk, and bring to a simmer for about 10 minutes before adding your protein of choice or chickpeas.
• Stir in lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper to taste, and cilantro before serving with rice or your choice of grain.

Keyword lemon cuisine, lemon curry, lemon rice

Tips & Tricks for Lemon Cuisine Recipe

To make sure the lemon flavor isn’t too overpowering, start by adding just a tiny amount of lemon juice or zest at a time, tasting as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

Lemon can add a bright flavor to any dish, so try using it in traditional dishes like curries or stir-fries for an extra lemon kick.

If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving, adding a little lemon juice to refresh the flavor.

Lemon can also be used in marinades or as a tasty addition to salad dressings and vinaigrettes—experiment with adding lemon to your recipes for a new twist on old favorites.

For the lemon rice recipe, this is a great side dish. You can make it the main course by adding protein like shrimp or chicken and vegetables like peas or carrots.

The lemon curry recipe is delicious with chicken, but you can substitute different kinds of protein. Seafood goes particularly well with this recipe. Serve it with freshly steamed rice or even mashed potatoes. Eating curry with mashed potatoes may seem unconventional, but you won’t be disappointed if you try it.

Nutrition Information of Lemon Cuisine Recipe

One serving of lemon rice (about 1 cup) has about 257 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 48 grams of carbohydrates.

One serving of lemon curry (about 1 cup) has about 290 calories, 16 grams of fat, and 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Lemons are high in vitamin C and contain potassium, folate, and fiber. Incorporating lemon into your cooking not only adds flavor but can also boost the nutritional value of your meals. Enjoy Lemon Cuisine as a healthy addition to your regular diet.

Conclusion

Lemon cuisine is a diverse and delicious way to incorporate lemon into your cooking. From lemon rice to lemon curry, the options are endless. Add lemon to your favorite dishes for a new twist on old favorites, or try out some traditional Lemon Cuisine recipes for a burst of flavor.