I love rice noodles in any form and this lemony rice noodles recipe is one of my quick and easy favorites. In India we make a similar dish using fresh string hoppers (rice noodles) called lemon idiappam. I use store bought dry rice noodles (also called rice sticks or rice vermicelli) as a shortcut. The rice noodles only need a quick soaking in hot water. And while the noodles are soaking you can prepare the tadka (tempered spices). So you can make this dish in just 10 minutes.
You can find rice noodles in the Asian aisle of the grocery store, or at Asian markets where there is usually more variety and brands. Make sure the only ingredient listed on the packet is rice or rice flour. Some brands will list water and salt, besides the rice as ingredients and thats ok.
The seasoning for these lemon rice noodles is simple and easy. Its the standard Indian “tadka” – a tempering of whole spices in oil. I then add freshly squeezed lemon juice and turmeric to the tadka before throwing in the rice noodles.
This is a crowd pleasing recipe, easy to make, and keeps well so you can take it for pot lucks and picnics. Kids will also love it. Serve it with a simple coconut chutney, pumpkin spinach curry, or my cashew nut curry. Make it a complete meal by throwing in some steamed broccoli or sautéed vegetables on top of the noodles.
Lemony Rice Noodles (Lemon Idiappam) Recipe
serves about 4
Ingredients
8 oz rice sticks
1 tablespoon oil
1/4 teaspoon black mustard seeds, optional
1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoons chana dal, optional.
1 tablespoon cashewnuts
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 green chili slit. Use more if you like it hot.
6 curry leaves
a pinch of asafoetida, optional
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, optional
2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
Method
1. Soak the rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat a large wok with the oil. Add the mustard seeds if using. When they pop, add the cumin seeds, chana dal, cashew nuts, ginger, chili, curry leaves and asaf0etida. Stir on medium-low heat till fragrant and the chana dal and cashews are golden.
3. Add turmeric, lemon juice, salt and 1 tablespoons water. Bring to a boil.
4. Immediately dd the soaked rice noodles to the wok. Using tongs, gently toss till everything is well combined. Mix in the lemon zest if using. Garnish with cilantro.
Serve hot with Sri Lankan Cashew curry, pumpkin curry or just on its own.
Looks so yummy!! My family is also a big fan of rice noodles.
Can you please tell me where to buy rice noodles and which brand?
Also last one I had used to be sticky sometimes. How to avoid that??
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Sala @ Veggie Belly Reply:
April 21st, 2014 at 12:25 pm
If its sticky, you may be soaking it too long or cooking it too long. I get rice noodles from the Asian store. Wai Wai is a good brand.
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Delicious! Noodle dishes like this one are always fabulous.
Cheers,
Rosa
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I would love to try this, is this the same recipe for preparing Lemon rice. I would love to try them with rice, these days I am looking for recipes I can whip up in ten minutes in the morning and this seems just perfect.
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These noodles sound so easy and delicious! I am slowly learning to cook Indian food, so I’m excited to try this one out very soon–preferably with a mound of fragrant curry alongside.
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Very well made Sevai. I love the bright yellow tones and the thin rice noodle
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For sure… I’ll just have to try this in one day!… it looks more than beautiful and so yummy, such “joyful look”!! All the best!
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My mom used to make this when i was in school.. After so many years i had almost completely forgotten this dish.. Thanks Sala for reminding me of this dish and guess what.. i tried it last night and it came out so well.. my hubby loved it
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A perfect light lunch, I imagine it smells amazing!
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Looks so vibrant and fresh,perfect for light summer meal
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These look so delicious!!
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