South Indian Lemon Rice (Chitranna)
Make South Indian Lemon Rice (Chitranna), an Indian lunch recipe with Cooked rice, Oil, Mustard seeds. It has about 25 min, about 280 calories per serving. Get ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutrition estimates, FAQs, and Recipe Genius app tools.
Quick answer
South Indian Lemon Rice (Chitranna) is an Indian lunch recipe that takes about 25 min, makes 4 servings, has about 280 calories per serving. Use the ingredients and steps below, or open it in Recipe Genius for guided Cook Mode, timers, serving changes, and a shopping list.
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View on AmazonSouth Indian Lemon Rice (Chitranna) ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked rice
- 2 tbsp Oil
- 1 tsp Mustard seeds
- 1 tsp Urad dal
- 1 tsp Chana dal
- 0.25 cup Peanuts
- 0.25 cup Cashew nuts
- 2-3 slit lengthwise Green chilies
- 1 sprig Curry leaves
- 1 inch, grated or finely m Ginger
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 0.25 tsp Asafoetida (hing)
- 3-4 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Fresh coriander leaves
How to make South Indian Lemon Rice (Chitranna)
- Ensure you have 3 cups of cold, cooked rice. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a plate to cool completely before proceeding, as cold rice mixes better without clumping.
- Heat 2 tbsp of sesame or vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan or kadai over medium heat. Once shimmering, add 1 tsp mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Immediately add 1 tsp urad dal, 1 tsp chana dal, 1/4 cup raw peanuts, and 1/4 cup raw cashew nuts (if using). Sauté, stirring continuously, for 2-3 minutes until the dals turn golden brown and the nuts are lightly toasted.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add 2-3 slit green chilies, 1 sprig of curry leaves, and 1 inch of grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the spices.
- Stir in 1/2 tsp turmeric powder and 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing). Cook for another 10-15 seconds, allowing the turmeric to bloom in the oil.
- Add the 3 cups of cold, cooked rice and 1 tsp of salt to the pan. Gently mix everything together using a spatula or spoon, ensuring the tempering is evenly distributed throughout the rice. Be careful not to mash the rice grains.
- Turn off the heat. Pour 3-4 tbsp of fresh lemon juice over the rice. Stir gently again to incorporate the lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed.
- Garnish with 2 tbsp of freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve the South Indian Lemon Rice warm as a light lunch or as a flavorful side dish with your favorite curry or yogurt.
South Indian Lemon Rice (Chitranna) FAQ
How do I make South Indian Lemon Rice (Chitranna)?
Make South Indian Lemon Rice (Chitranna) by gathering the ingredients below, following the step-by-step instructions, and checking that everything is cooked safely before serving.
What ingredients are in South Indian Lemon Rice (Chitranna)?
The main ingredients include Cooked rice, Oil, Mustard seeds, Urad dal, Chana dal. The full ingredient list is included on this page.
How long does South Indian Lemon Rice (Chitranna) take?
This recipe takes about 25 min, depending on prep speed and kitchen equipment.
How many calories are in South Indian Lemon Rice (Chitranna)?
Recipe Genius estimates about 280 calories per serving. Nutrition is estimated, so use your own labels when precision matters.
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