Rashmi Sharma Chitrana Rice, also known as Citrus Rice or Lemon Rice (in some regions), is a flavorful and aromatic South Indian rice dish that is light, tangy, and packed with spices. It’s made with cooked rice, seasoned with tamarind or lemon juice, tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and other spices. Chitrana rice is often enjoyed with yogurt, papad, or pickle and is a great option for a quick lunch or dinner.
Here’s a simple recipe to make Chitrana Rice:
Chitrana Rice Recipe | What Is The Recipe Of Chitrana Rice
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups long grained rice basmati
- 3 tbsp peanuts
- 3 tbsp sesame seeds til
- 1 tbsp chana dal split bengal gram
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds rai / sarson
- 3 whole dry kashmiri red chillies broken into pieces
- 5 curry leaves kadi patta
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida hing
- 2 tbsp freshly grated coconut
- 3 tbsp tamarind imli water
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder haldi
- 2 tbsp malagapdi powder recipe given
- 2 tbsp oil
- salt to taste
For The Malagapadi Powder
- 2 tbsp coriander dhania seeds
- 1 1/2 tbsp cumin seeds jeera
- 2 tbsp chana dal split bengal gram
- 2 tbsp urad dal split black lentils
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds til
- 12 whole dry kashmiri red chillies
- 1 tsp asafoetida hing
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
For the malagapadi powder
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Mix and dry roast all the ingredients. Blend them in a blender to a powder and keep aside.
How to proceed
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Boil the rice in a vesselful of salted water.
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Each grain of the cooked rice should be separate.Drain and cool.
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Roast the peanuts and sesame seeds separately and powder them coarsely. Keep aside.
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Add the red chillies, curry leaves and asafoetida and cook again for ½ a minute.
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Heat the oil in a pan add the chana dal and mustard seeds and roast for 1 minute.
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Finally, add the rice, coconut, tamarind water, turmeric powder, malagapadi powder, roasted peanuts and sesame seeds powder and salt and cook for a few minutes.
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Serve hot.
Tips:
- Rice Texture: Ensure that the rice is not overcooked; it should be fluffy and separate. Leftover rice works great for making this dish.
- Tamarind vs Lemon: You can use either tamarind paste or lemon juice depending on your preference. Tamarind gives the rice a slightly sweet and tangy taste, while lemon gives it a fresh, citrusy zing.
- Vegan Option: This dish is naturally vegan and can be enjoyed by all dietary preferences.
- Peanut Crunch: Adding peanuts is optional, but it adds a lovely crunch and flavor to the rice. You can also try adding cashews if you prefer.
- Flavor Variations: You can also add a pinch of red chili powder for an extra kick of spice or a bit of jaggery (unrefined sugar) for a slight sweetness that balances the tanginess.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dish: Serve Chitrana Rice with a side of raita, papad, or pickle to complement the tangy and spicy flavors.
- Lunchbox Meal: This rice is perfect for packing in a lunchbox as it’s light, flavorful, and easy to transport.
Chitrana Rice is a perfect dish for anyone who loves aromatic rice with bold flavors! Enjoy the simple yet vibrant flavors of this South Indian delicacy! 🌿🍚
