Lemon Rice
Chitranna
A vibrant and tangy South Indian specialty from Karnataka, this Lemon Rice (Chitranna) is made by flavoring fluffy rice with a fragrant tempering of spices, herbs, and the zesty brightness of lemon. It's a perfect dish for lunchboxes or a light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked rice(Preferably cooled, day-old rice. Fluff it with a fork to separate grains.)
- 3 tbsp Lemon juice(Freshly squeezed is best for optimal flavor.)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp Peanuts(Raw, unsalted peanuts.)
- 1 tsp Mustard seeds
- 10 leaves Curry leaves(Fresh curry leaves.)
- 2 Green chilies(Finely chopped. Adjust to your spice preference.)
- 2 tbsp Oil(Neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.)
- to taste Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the tempering: Heat the oil in a small pan or tadka pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), add the mustard seeds. Let them splutter completely – this should take about 30-60 seconds. Be careful as they can pop.
⏱️ 1 minute - 2
Add the peanuts and chopped green chilies to the pan. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the peanuts turn golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Tear the curry leaves and add them to the pan. They will sizzle and crisp up quickly. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
⏱️ 30 seconds - 4
Add the turmeric powder to the tempering mixture and stir for another 15-20 seconds. This toasts the turmeric slightly, enhancing its flavor and color. Immediately remove the pan from the heat to prevent burning.
⏱️ 30 seconds - 5
In a large mixing bowl, place the cooked and fluffed rice. Add salt to taste.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Pour the hot tempering mixture over the rice. Ensure all the flavorful oil and spices are scraped into the bowl.
⏱️ 1 minute - 7
Add the fresh lemon juice to the rice. Gently toss everything together using a spoon or spatula, ensuring the rice grains are well coated with the tempering and lemon juice without breaking them. Mix until the color is evenly distributed.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or lemon juice as per your preference for tanginess. Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Adding lemon juice towards the end helps preserve its bright color and fresh flavor.
- ✓The dish should have a pronounced tangy taste from the lemon.
- ✓Lemon rice is an excellent option for packed lunches (tiffin boxes) as it holds up well and tastes delicious at room temperature.
- ✓Ensure the rice grains are separate before mixing to avoid a mushy texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For added texture and protein, add 1-2 tablespoons of cooked chana dal (split chickpeas) along with the tempering.
- Substitute peanuts with cashews for a richer flavor and different crunch.
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing) can be added to the tempering for an extra layer of flavor, especially if you enjoy its pungent aroma.