Authentic South Indian Lemon RiceVeg
Discover the perfect Lemon Rice (Chitranna) recipe—a tangy, authentic South Indian classic that’s incredibly easy to make. Featuring fluffy rice tossed with roasted peanuts, crunchy chana dal, aromatic curry leaves, and a bright zest of fresh lemon juice, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you need a quick weekday lunch, a Navratri special, or a travel-friendly meal, this versatile recipe hits the spot every time. Simple, delicious, and deeply satisfying!
Ingredients
as needed Cooked Rice
1 tsp Turmeric Powder
1 tsp Salt
Oil (for rice mixture):
1 tsp Oil
Oil (for tempering):
3 tsp Oil
as needed Peanuts
1 tsp Bengal Gram (Chana Dal)
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
1 tsp Mustard Seeds
few Cashew Nuts (Chopped)
as needed Red Chilli
2 piece Green Chilli
1 tsp Asafoetida Powder (Hing)
few Curry Leaves
2 piece Lemon Juice
Instructions
Step 1— Prepare the Rice Base
1
In a bowl of cooked rice, add turmeric powder, salt, and a little oil. Mix well until the rice is evenly coated and set it aside.
Step 2— Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
1
Heat a wide pan or kadai over medium heat and add oil.
2
Add peanuts and roast them until they are golden brown.
3
Add chana dal, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and chopped cashew nuts. Sauté until the mustard seeds begin to splatter and the ingredients are roasted.
Step 3— Add Aromatics
1
Stir in the red chillies, chopped green chillies, hing (asafoetida), and fresh curry leaves. Mix everything thoroughly.
Step 4— Combine and Finish
1
Add the pre-mixed rice into the kadai with the tempering. Toss everything together until well combined.
2
Squeeze the juice of two lemons over the rice and mix well on low heat.
Step 5— Serving
1
Once finished, let the rice sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve warm as is, or alongside wafers or papad.
Nutrition Facts
3 servings per recipe
