Chitranna (Lemon Rice)
Lemon Rice is a classic South Indian dish that provides a real punch of flavor without requiring too many ingredients. “Lemon Rice” is also called “Chitranna” in Kannada or “Nimmakaya polihora” in Telugu. This one is serious comfort food in many South Indian homes.
I’ve most commonly had Chitranna when visiting temples and restaurants. Rice is such an important staple in Indian cuisine that there seem to be endless recipes to change things up.
Lemon Rice is a great dish for using up leftover rice if you have it. And it transports well so it makes good “road food.” The peanuts add a little heartiness and protein to the rice. If you have a peanut allergy, or just prefer another flavor, the peanuts can be substituted with cashews, almonds or even sunflower seeds.
Since curry leaves are sometimes hard to find, you can substitute cilantro for them. It will give a different flavor, but still taste delicious!
I usually eat Lemon Rice by itself, but it goes well with raita, yogurt, chutney or a salad.
Lemon Rice
Lemon Rice is a classic South Indian dish that provides a real punch of flavor without requiring too many ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice (cooked basmati preferred)
- 2 tbsp oil (or ghee)
- 1/4 tsp hing ((asafoetida))
- 2 tbsp urad dal
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 12 curry leaves
- 1 green chili (chopped)
- 1/4 cup water
- salt (to taste)
- 3 tbsp peanuts
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat oil. It is hot enough when adding a couple of mustard seeds causes them to pop.
- In order, with a couple of seconds in between, add mustard seeds, hing (asafoetida), curry leaves, green chili, urad dal, turmeric. Cook until urad dal turns golden (not dark brown), about 20-30 seconds.
- Add peanuts and cook until they turn golden, about 1 minute.
- Add water and rice. Stir and cook, for about 2 minutes. A little longer if the rice is cold.
- Finish with lemon juice and salt. Stir to incorporate.
