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LEMON RICE

mayurisjikoni
Lemon rice or Chitranna as it is known in Kannada, is the easiest but yummiest rice dish. With spices and lemon, this spicy tangy rice is best enjoyed with some some rice papad. Makes an excellent lunchbox or travel food option as it tastes equally good whether hot or cold. The other good thing about this rice dish it that you can use leftover plain rice.
5 from 10 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish, Snack, Travel Food
Cuisine South Indian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cooked rice the grains should be separate
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 dry red chillis
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tbsp split chickpeas
  • 1 tbsp split black gram lentils
  • ¼ cup peanut
  • 2 tbsp cashew nut pieces
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • ⅛ tsp asafoetida
  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • 1 green chilli sliced
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 2-3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh coriander chopped

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in a wide pan over low heat. Roast the peanuts stirring them constantly till they turn light brownish in colour.
  • Remove the roasted peanuts and keep on the side.
  • Roast the cashew nuts. Remove and keep on the side.
  • Add more oil if required.
  • Add mustard seeds, red chillis, chana dal, urad dal and saute till the lentils turn light brown in colour.
  • Add the curry leaves, ginger paste and chopped green chilli.  Saute for a few minutes.
  • Add asafoetida and turmeric powder.
  • Add water. Allow the dals and spices to cook till the water evaporates. This makes the lentils a bit soft. Can omit this step if you want to.
  • Add the rice.
  • Add salt, peanuts and cashew nuts. Mix thoroughly but gently. Allow the rice to become hot.
  • Take the pan off the heat once the rice becomes hot.
  • Add coriander and lemon juice.
  • Serve immediately with some fried rice papad, yogurt or pickle on the side. Or pack it in suitable container to enjoy as lunch or travel food.

Notes

  • Can omit adding cashew nuts. I love the taste of them in the rice.
  • Adjust the amount of green chillis according to your taste. If preparing for kids add chilli paste instead of chopped ones.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon juice and chillis according to your taste.
  • Can use leftover rice. The grains should be separate.
Keyword chitranna recipe, how to make lemon rice, South Indian lemon rice