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Lemon Rice

Lemon Rice

Images on Rasoi Buddy are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact appearance of the final dish.

Lemon Rice, known as Chitranna, is a quick, zesty, and incredibly popular South Indian rice preparation. It features fluffy rice tossed in a vibrant tempering of mustard seeds, lentils, peanuts, and turmeric, finished with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This dish is celebrated for its bright yellow color and the crunchy texture provided by roasted peanuts and chana dal. It offers a perfect balance of savory tempering and refreshing citrus notes. It is a staple breakfast and travel food because of its simplicity and shelf-life. Best served hot or cold with a side of coconut chutney or potato roast.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Servings4 People
DifficultyEasy
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Ingredients

2 cups Cooked Rice (cooled)
2 large Lemons, juice extracted
1/4 cup Peanuts
1 tsp Mustard seeds
1 tsp Chana Dal
1 tsp Urad Dal
2 Green Chilies, slit
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
A sprig of Fresh Curry Leaves
3 tbsp Oil
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Cooking Instructions

Tips & Secrets

  • The secret to fluffy Lemon Rice is using cooled, separate grains; never use hot or freshly cooked mushy rice.
  • Always turn off the heat before adding lemon juice to prevent the rice from turning bitter.
  • Using a generous amount of peanuts and lentils provides the characteristic crunch that defines this dish.
  • A pinch of sugar can be added along with the lemon juice to balance the tartness if preferred.

Nutritional Information(Per 300g)

Calories

240 kcal

Protein

4g

Fat

9g

Carbs

40g

Note: Nutritional values are professional estimates per standard serving (~200-250g / ml) and may vary based on ingredient quality and preparation methods.