Lemon Rice also called Chitranna in Kannada is an easy to prepare yet flavorful rice dish. This is also a good way to use the left over rice or maybe a quick dish idea when unexpected guests arrive. The flavor of this depends on the strong seasoning (Tadka) that is prepared before the cooked rice is added. Even though the seasoning is prepared using simple and readily available ingredients like curry leaves, asafetida, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, daals they combine together to form an aromatic, sapid base to accommodate the rice. Peanuts add a nice crunch while the coconut balances the taste and adds little bit of sweetness.
Growing up in Bangalore we used to live very close by to Venkateshwara Temple and some days this would be offered as Prasadam after the Lord’s Maha Mangala Aarthi. Some days the prasadam would be different but their Curd Rice and Cucumber kosambari were the ones to die for! During our summer holidays we used to make a bee line to collect this prasada and savor it after we got back home. The Prasad would be served in a special leaf cup called “donne” and that would maybe enhance the taste of this rice.
There are different variations even for this simple recipe. My mother prepares this without adding onions, while my MIL makes this by adding onions and sometimes even garlic. But usually onion and garlic is avoided while serving this as Neivadyam.
This is my contribution to Rice Mela hosted by Srivalli.
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2 cups cooked rice (make sure it is fluffy and grains are separated)
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1 tsp turmeric
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¾ cup chopped onion (optional)
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½ cup shredded coconut
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½ cup groundnuts
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3-4 green chillies (chopped finely)
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Juice of a lemon
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Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing
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salt
For the seasoning (tadka)
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1 tsp urad daal
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1 tsp chana daal
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Curry leaves
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Asafetida
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Mustard seeds
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Cumin seeds
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Oil
Method:
- Take a big plate and spread out the rice making sure there are no lumps. Add salt, mix and keep aside.
- Take a heavy bottom pan, add oil on medium heat. Add mustard seeds and allow to splutter, next add the cumin seeds, curry leaves, asafetida. Mix well. Now add the peanuts, green chillies, both the daals and roast until the peanuts get crunchy.
- Add the chopped onions (optional) and fry until it gets transparent.
- Add the rice, turmeric and mix thoroughly. Cover the lid and let it cook for a while.
- Finally add the coconut, chopped coriander leaves and juice of a lemon. Mix well. Serve hot.
- Note: Make sure to add the lemon juice when the prepared rice has cooled down a little, else it tends to add sourness to the rice.
I love this rice, just looking to the pic , my mouth is wattering.
Beutiful colour too.
what a lovely picture? i usually make it without onions.
Now you make me want this!! I too make this without onions – just the tang of lime is enough to set me drooling:) Long time since I made it.
Figure Rice is my fav and with some curd rice it is a perfect meal
Lovely picture…prefect lunchbox meal..
Adding coconuts is new to me… looks so good and is that iced tea i spy in the back?
Lemon rice is a comfort food for me, looks really yummy and inviting..
i love chitranna .. looks lovely, the pic .. i usually make it, when i runout of veggies
Looks out yummy..Its been ages since I had it.. to try soon
Love the pic. chitranna and curd rice is such a classic combo isnt it?
classic recipe and a beautiful pic.
very beautiful picture!
Looks lovely, like the idea of adding peanuts and coconut to this rice…
that looks yum and delicious and colorful
join in the sweet event going in my blog
I make a similar version of lemon rice. I always include fried cashews. One of my favorites.
Hi, the lemon rice looks mouthwatering. feeling like eating it right away!
Grt. I have been searching for this recipe for a long time now. I had it in a friends place. It was excellent.