Lemon rice and Spicy Aloo Gobhi Matar in Microwave

Lemon Rice is a delicious South Indian dish you can easily put together when in a hurry. The tangy flavour of fresh lemon makes it irresistible for anyone. I'm a great fan of lemon rice. Traditionally, this is made with boiled rice/long-grain rice but basmati rice can also go.This dish is an excellent option to make with leftover rice.
This time, I tried making this classic rice dish in Microwave. It came out really well without much hassle.

Ingredients :
[My microwave power is 800W. Check your microwave power first and adjust the cooking time(more or less) accordingly] 

Basmati Rice : 1 cup
Curry leaves : 4-5
Onion : 1(sliced)
Dry Red Chilli : 1-2
Green Chillies : 1-2(optional)
Mustard seed : 1 tblsp.
Gram flour : 1 tblsp.
Turmeric powder : 1/2 tsp.
Red Chilli powder : 1 tsp. (as per taste)
Fried raw peanuts : 1/3 cup
Oil : 1 tblsp.

Method :

For making the rice : In a microwave safe bowl, take pre-soaked rice and  add water just double the amount of rice and microwave partially covered in high or 100% power for 10-12 minutes or until rice is just done not overcooked.

Put oil in another MW safe bowl, add curry leaves, dry red chillies, mustard seeds and gram flour in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 3 mins. at 100% power or high.

Add green chilli, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, sliced onions and microwave for 4 mins. at 100% power or high.

Mix cooked rice and lemon juice and mix well. Microwave covered for 3-4 mins. at 100% power or high.

 

Garnish with coriander leaves and fried raw peanuts. 

To go with this, I made this Spicy Aloo Gobi Matar in MW..which goes well with any pulao or chapati(Indian flatbread). I think I have grasped the concept of  MW cooking already, as I made this curry all by myself, without any recipe book and it tasted awesome.

Ingredients :

Potato : 1(medium)
Cauliflower florets: 1 cup
Green peas(fresh/frozen) : 1/3 cup
Ginger : 1 tblsp.(grated)
Garlic : 1 tsp.(grated)
Tomato : 1(medium-finely chopped)
Turmeric powder : 1 tsp.
Red chilli powder : 1-2 tsp.
Cumin powder : 1 tsp.
Coriander powder : 1 tsp.
Tomato Paste/puree : 1 tblsp.
Yogurt/dahi : 1 tblsp.
Salt to taste
Oil : 2 tblsp.
Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Method : 

[My microwave power is 800W. Check your microwave power first and adjust the cooking time(more or less) accordingly] 

Cut potato into medium size chunks and cauliflower into small florets. In a Microwave safe bowl, place potato and cauliflower pieces together, add enough water and a pinch of salt. Cook covered for about 8-10 minutes at high or 100% power. Potatoes and cauliflowers should be just done, not overcooked. Drain and Keep aside.

In another MW safe bowl, add oil, add grated ginger and garlic and tomatoes. Microwave uncovered for about 2 mins. at high. Take the bowl out. Tomatoes should be soft and pulpy.

 

Mix them well with the back of a spoon, then add all the powdered spices and 2 tblsp. water, mix well with the tomato-ginger-garlic paste. Then again microwave uncovered for about 3 mins. at high. Take the bowl out and mix well with a spoon. 

Now add yogurt, tomato puree/paste in the spice paste, stir well, add green peas, potato and cauliflower pieces. Mix well with the spices. Add about 2/3 cup of water and season with salt. Microwave uncovered for about 3-4 mins. at high or until you have your desired consistency of gravy. 

Your Aloo Gobhi Matar is ready to indulge.

How do u like this combo.....look at that yummy platter

This combo meal is going to my event, MEC : Combo meal, started by Srivalli of Cooking 4 All seasons, and her own event 365 days of Microwave cooking, which is basically on MW cooking without any theme.

Friends, My event MEC : combo meal is going to end in 3 days, still waiting for your enthusiastic participations....pl. send me soon :))