Lemon Rice Recipe | How to Make Lemon Rice Recipe

One of the most popular meals from South India is lemon rice, commonly known as chitranna. This is simply one of several ways to prepare this dish; there are others as well. Regular pairings for this rice include raita, yoghurt, chutney, or kosambari (a type of salad). This rice moves nicely, so people frequently bring it with them when they travel.

Using whole seeds that you have yourself ground to release their oils gives this dish its taste. Although you might be tempted to omit that step, it’s crucial. This rice meal may be made with leftover rice, so if you’re in a rush, you can quickly put it together.

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Lemon Rice Recipe | What is the Recipe of Lemon Rice

Cuisine Indian

Author Rashmi Sharma

Ingredients

• 1 cooked rice
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1/4 tbsp cumin seed
• 1/4 tbsp mustard seed
• 1/4 tbsp turmeric
• 2 red whole red chili
• 1 green chili sliced in four long way
• 12-15 fresh curry leaves
• 2 tbsp chana dal pre-soaked in water for at least half an hour
• 1/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
• 1/2 tbsp salt adjust to taste
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium heat; stir-fry the peanuts for about 2 minutes until peanuts changes the color to light brown.
2. Take out the peanuts from oil and use the same oil for rest of the seasoning.
3. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds after seeds crack add red chili, curry leaves, and green chilies, and stir for a few seconds.
4. Add the chana dal, stir-fry for about a minute.
5. Add turmeric and mix it well.
6. Add the pre-cooked rice, peanuts and sprinkle salt and lemon juice over the rice.
7. Mix gently, making sure do not break the rice and stir-fry for about 2 minutes. Rice is ready, Enjoy!

Tips:

• Rice Texture: Use long-grain rice like Basmati or Sona Masuri for the best texture. The rice should be fluffy and not sticky.
• Variations: You can add ginger (finely chopped) or garlic (crushed) for extra flavor in the tempering.
• Peanut Allergy: If you have a peanut allergy, you can omit the peanuts or replace them with cashews or almonds.
• Spiciness: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chilies based on your spice tolerance.
• Vegan Option: This dish is naturally vegan, but make sure the ghee or butter used in the tempering is plant-based if you prefer a vegan option.

Lemon Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s easy to make and incredibly refreshing. Its tangy lemon flavor and fragrant spices make it a favorite in South Indian cuisine. Enjoy it as a light meal or a side dish!