Lemon Rice (Chitranna)
Lemon Rice, also known as Chitranna, is a popular South Indian rice dish made by mixing cooked rice with a flavorful tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, and peanuts, all balanced with the fresh zest of lemon juice. This quick and easy recipe is known for its tangy, spicy flavors. Lemon rice tastes best when made with leftover rice and is perfect for lunchboxes or light dinners. Follow these simple steps to enjoy a comforting vegan Indian meal.
Equipment
- 1 Frying pan or Kadhai
- 1 Spatula (wooden or steel)
- 1 Knife and chopping board
- 1 Lid to cover the pan during cooking
- 2 Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiled rice preferably cooled or leftover rice
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons mustard oil or any cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 12 –15 fresh curry leaves
- 5 green chilies finely chopped
- 1 cup raw peanuts
- 2 teaspoons chana dal split Bengal gram
- 2 teaspoons urad dal split black gram
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- Heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a frying pan on high flame.
- Add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; let them sizzle for 1 minute.
- Add 12–15 curry leaves and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add 5 chopped green chilies and mix well.
- Step 2: Roast Peanuts and Lentils
- Add 1 cup raw peanuts and roast for 2 minutes.
- Add 2 teaspoons chana dal and 2 teaspoons urad dal.
- Sauté the mixture for 5 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Step 3: Add Cooked Rice
- Add 2 cups of boiled and cooled rice.
- Mix well with the tempering and peanuts.
- Step 4: Add Spices
- Add ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp red chili powder, ½ tsp coriander powder, and salt to taste.
- Mix everything and cover the pan. Cook on low flame for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Add Lemon Juice
- Remove lid and pour in ½ cup fresh lemon juice.
- Mix well and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Turn off heat and let rest for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish with coriander leaves if desired.