South Indian Lemon Rice

Lemon rice is a beloved dish from South India, where cooked short-grain rice is mixed with a tempering of mustard seeds, chana dal, green chillies, dried red chillies, fresh ginger, and curry leaves. This delightful dish is also known as Chitranna in Kannada and Nimmakaya Pulihora in Telugu. With a delicate flavour of fresh lemon juice and a nutty aroma from lentils, peanuts, and a blend of spices and herbs, this South Indian Lemon Rice is a popular choice for a simple, yet satisfying comfort meal. If you have leftover rice at home, you can make this in less than 15 minutes.

In this post, we are exploring the ways how it’s typically made in the state of Karnataka. Not only is it a quick and easy meal to prepare, but it’s also a great way to use up any leftover rice you may have in your kitchen.

Exploring the Roots of South Indian Lemon Rice

South Indian Lemon Rice, also known as Chitranna, is a dish deeply rooted in the vibrant culture and history of the Deccan region. Originating from Karnataka, this dish has been enjoyed for centuries and has become a beloved comfort food for many.

The history of Lemon Rice traces back to the ancient times when spices like turmeric, mustard seeds, and curry leaves were widely used in South Indian cuisine. These ingredients were not only used for their flavour, but also for their health benefits and preserving properties.

Traditionally, Lemon Rice was made using leftover rice to minimise waste and create a quick and tasty meal. As the popularity of this dish spread, variations began to emerge, incorporating different ingredients and cooking techniques.

Lemon Rice: A Fusion of Taste and Wellness

The star ingredient, lemon, adds a refreshing citrus flavour and is rich in vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and aids in digestion. The fragrant spices used in this dish, such as turmeric, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, are not only flavoursome but also have numerous health benefits.

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while mustard seeds are high in antioxidants. Curry leaves are a great source of iron and can help improve digestion. Another aspect of lemon rice is the use of leftover rice. This reduces food waste and provides a source of carbohydrates and essential nutrients. The combination of these ingredients makes lemon rice a nutritious and delicious meal option for both children and adults.

Whether you’re a vegan, a beginner in cooking, or looking for a lunchbox recipe, lemon rice is a versatile dish that can cater to your dietary preferences and needs.

You’ll need some leftover rice to get started. Don’t worry if you don’t have it; simply follow the instructions in the next section to cook rice perfectly every time.

Cook Perfect Rice Every Time

Cooking Rice in a Pot

Here are some tips for cooking rice perfectly every time in a pot:

• Use the right ratio of rice to water. Generally 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water is a good starting point. Adjust the amount of water based on the type of rice. Long grain white rice may need a little more water.
• Rinse the rice before cooking. This removes excess starch and prevents the grains from sticking together. Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for 30 seconds.
• Use a heavy bottomed pot with a tight fitting lid. The lid helps the rice cook evenly by trapping the steam. Avoid lightweight pots that may scorch the rice.
• Bring the water to a boil first before adding the rice. This allows the rice to cook more evenly.
• Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water. Give it a quick stir, put the lid on and turn the heat down to low.
• Cook covered for 15-20 minutes. Don’t lift the lid during this time. Set a timer and resist the temptation to peek!
• Check for doneness after 15 minutes. Use a fork to fluff the rice. If it’s still a little hard in the center, replace the lid and cook for 5 more minutes.
• Allow the rice to steam off the heat for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the grains to fully expand and dry out a bit.
• Fluff with a fork before serving. The rice may stick together a bit straight out of the pot but fluffing helps separate the grains.

Cooking Rice in a Pressure Cooker

Here are some tips for cooking rice perfectly in a pressure cooker:

• Use the right rice to water ratio – 1 cup rice to 1½ to 2 cups water is common for most pressure cookers. For brown rice use 1 cup rice to 1¾ – 2¼ cup water.
• Rinse the rice till the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This helps prevent rice from sticking.
• Add the rinsed rice and measured water to the pressure cooker pot.
• Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to the sealed position.
• Cook it over medium to medium high heat for 2 whistles
• Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
• Carefully remove lid, fluff rice with a fork. The rice may still look wet but will continue to absorb moisture.
• Let rice rest for 5 minutes off heat, then fluff again before serving.
• Adjust cook times as needed based on your model of pressure cooker.

Following these steps will give you fluffy, perfectly cooked rice every time using the pressure cooking method.

Step-by-Step Andhra Style Lemon Rice Recipe

South Indian Lemon Rice recipe

Author: Meenakshi Cooking Method:Tempering Cuisine:South Indian Courses:Main Course Recipe Keys: Vegan vegetarian

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 15 minutesRest time: 40 minutesTotal time: 25 minutesServings:3 servingsCalories:300 kcal Best Season:Suitable throughout the year

Description

Tangy, flavourful rice made by cooking rice then tossing it with mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, chilies, turmeric, salt, and lemon juice. Garnish with roasted peanuts for crunch.

Ingredients

• 600 gm Cooked Rice
• 4 tbsp Sunflower oil (peanut oil or sesame oil could be used instead)
• 1 tsp Mustard seeds
• 1 tsp split Urad dal
• 1 tbsp Chana dal
• 2 dry Red Chillies (halved)
• 1 medium sized Onion, finely chopped
• 1 sprig Curry leaves
• ½ tbsp Turmeric powder
• 1 Lemon or 1½ Indian Lime (You may modify the sourness to your liking.)
• Salt as required (we used Himalayan Salt)
• ½ tsp Asafoetida

For Grinding Masala

• 3 Green Chillies
• 1 Inch Ginger, roughly chopped

For Roasting Peanuts

• 2 tbsp Peanuts

Instructions

Cooking Rice (if you dont have leftover rice)

1. Cook the rice with some salt and set aside. Make sure the grains are separate and fluffy.
2. Refer to Cooking Rice section above for detailed instructions for cooking rice

Prepare Masala

3. Add 3 Green chillies,

Roasting Peanuts

4. In a small pan over medium heat, add 2 tbsp peanuts and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes. This helps evenly coat the peanuts with oil.
5. Continue stirring frequently. Roast the peanuts for until the skins start changing colour to a reddish-brown.
6. Sprinkle salt over the peanuts and mix well. The salt helps bring out the nutty flavour.
7. Continue roasting for a minute or so until the peanuts are fragrant and crunchy. Do not burn.
8. Immediately transfer the roasted peanuts to a plate to stop residual cooking.
   Allow them to cool completely before using as garnish over the prepared lemon rice.
   

Tempering

9. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them sputter. Reduce the flame to low now and add 1 tsp urad dal, 1 tbsp Chana dal, 2 dry red chillies, and fry till golden.
10. Add finely chopped Onion and saute until transparent. Don’t brown the onions. Now add the ground masala and combine well
11. Add 1 sprig curry leaves at this stage, giving it a few stirs. Add ½ tbsp Turmeric powder and saute until the raw smell goes away.
12. Now add ½ lemon or lime depending on where you live followed by cooked rice. Remember to not to cook lime or lemon juice over extreme heat, else it may turn bitter.
13. Mix in the cooked rice breaking all the visible lumps. Add ½ tsp Asafoetida (hing), followed by 1 tbsp oil over the hing powder mixing it in.
14. Add Salt to taste and check the seasoning before adding the remaining half of the lemon or lime. If you are using Indian lime, you may need a little extra to the dish to adjust the sourness to your liking.
15. Now add the roasted Peanuts and mix them in well before serving. Turn off the flame.

Video

Notes

• Sprinkle salt over the peanuts and mix well. The salt helps bring out the nutty flavour.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Enjoy the crunchy peanuts as a snack too!
• Lemon / Lime will give a bitter taste if they are cooked for too long.
• If you want to convert this into a gluten-free dish, just omit adding Hing or Asafoetida
  

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Fascinating Variations and Accompaniments with Lemon Rice

If you thought South Indian Lemon Rice couldn’t get any more exciting, think again! This versatile dish can be paired with a variety of accompaniments.

Lemon rice is not just a delicious dish for lunch or dinner, but it can also be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast. Pair it with some yoghurt or a boiled egg for a complete and satisfying meal.

You can serve it as a standalone dish, or pair it with a variety of sides. Lemon rice goes well with vegetables, curries, or even grilled chicken or fish.

One popular variation is using basmati rice for added fragrance and a light, fluffy texture. Another variation involves adding different vegetables to the rice, such as peas, carrots, or green beans, for added nutrition and a burst of colour.

If you’re looking to add a twist to your lemon rice, try incorporating some nuts like cashews or peanuts (peanuts are included in our version). Not only do they provide a satisfying crunch, but they also add a richness and depth of flavour to the dish.

For those who prefer a slightly sweeter taste, adding coconut to your lemon rice can do wonders. The creamy and slightly sweet flavour of coconut complements the tangy lemon perfectly, creating a unique and delicious combination.

If you’re making lemon rice for kids or beginners, you can adjust the spice levels to suit their taste buds. Reduce the amount of chilli or omit it altogether for a milder version that everyone can enjoy.

No matter what variation you choose, don’t forget to serve your lemon rice with a side of cooling yoghurt or a refreshing salad. The tangy and zesty flavours of the rice will be perfectly balanced by the creamy and fresh accompaniments. Here are some more lemon rice combos.

Versatility of South Indian Lemon Rice: From Breakfast to Dinner

For those who are always on the go, lemon rice is an ideal choice for travel or lunchboxes. It can be easily packed and stays fresh for hours, making it a convenient and tasty option for meals on the move whether you’re heading to work or going on a picnic.

If you’re looking to cater to different dietary preferences, lemon rice can be easily adapted to vegan recipes by omitting any animal-based ingredients. You can also customise the the recipe to suit the taste buds of toddlers and kids by reducing the spice levels or adding some vegetables for added nutrition.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Lemon Rice

Here are some pro tips and tricks to help you perfect this delicious dish.

1. Use basmati rice: For a fragrant and fluffy lemon rice, opt for basmati rice instead of regular white rice. The long grains of basmati rice add a lovely aroma and texture to the dish. Sona masuri and ponni rice are good choices too.

2. Squeeze fresh lemon juice: When it comes to the tangy element of lemon rice, nothing beats the flavour of fresh lemon juice. Avoid using bottled lemon juice as it can lack the bright and zesty taste that fresh lemons provide.

3. Add lemon zest: For an extra burst of lemony flavour, don’t forget to grate some lemon zest into your rice. The zest adds a subtle and aromatic note that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

4. Toast your spices: Before adding the spices to your rice, toast them lightly in a dry pan. This process releases the oils and enhances the flavour of the spices, resulting in a more aromatic and flavourful dish.

5. Don’t overcook the rice: To achieve perfectly cooked rice, make sure not to overcook it. Follow the instructions on the packaging and cook the rice until it is just tender. Overcooked rice can become mushy and affect the texture of your lemon rice.

6. Fluff the rice: After cooking the rice, use a fork to gently fluff it up. This will help separate the grains and prevent clumping, resulting in a light and fluffy lemon rice.

7. Let the flavours meld: After adding the lemon juice and spices to the rice, let the flavours meld together by allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to fully develop and results in a more flavourful dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Lemon Rice

If you have any leftover lemon rice, make sure to store it properly to keep it fresh for longer. Let it cool down completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to take lemon rice for travel, pack it in a leak-proof container and keep it in a cool bag with some ice packs. You can also freeze the leftover rice in portions and use it later for a quick and easy meal. When reheating, add some water or a few drops of lemon juice to prevent the rice from drying out.

If you enjoyed making our South Indian Lemon Rice, you might want to try out some of our other South Indian rice dishes. Here are some recipes for Mint Rice and Coconut Rice that you can check out.