½ recipe Simple Basmati Rice (page 160)

3 tablespoons Clarified Butter (page 15) or vegetable oil

1 teaspoon black mustard seeds

8 fresh curry leaves

3 dried red chilies, broken

2 tablespoons unsalted peanuts

Table salt, to taste

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Fresh grated coconut, for garnish

1. If you are using Simple Basmati Rice that has been prepared earlier and refrigerated, warm it for a few minutes before proceeding.

2. In a large skillet, heat the butter. Add the mustard seeds. When they begin to sputter, in quick succession add the curry leaves, red chilies, and peanuts. Sauté for 1 minute. Add the salt and turmeric; mix well.

3. Add the lemon juice. It will splatter a bit, so do this carefully. Add the rice and salt; sauté for 1 minute, mixing well to evenly coat the rice with the spice mix. Serve hot garnished with fresh grated coconut.

Rice and the Hindu Religion

In India, rice has a special religious significance. It is considered a symbol of fertility and prosperity. Hindu weddings use rice for many rituals. When a new bride enters her husband's home for the first time, she gently taps, with her foot, a small urn containing rice, over the threshold. This signifies that the new bride will bring wealth and prosperity to the family.