Lemon Rice is a very simple and flavourful rice. It is a very popular dish in south India and it is served as ‘Prasadam’ in most of the temples. The process of making this rice is simple just by mixing the steamed rice with fried spices and then with fresh lemon juice. There are so many variations in preparing this lemon rice. But being a South Indian, I like this method which I have learnt from my Mom.
This delicious rice is also called as Chitranna, you can prepare this even with leftover rice. I remember my mom used to pack this rice whenever we used to travel.
Step by step pictures of making Easy Lemon Rice
Ingredients:
- Basmati rice -2 cups
- Peanuts/ground nuts -¼cup
- Cashew nuts- ¼ cup
- Green chillies-2 or 3
- Lemon juice – 4tbsp
- Turmeric powder -½tsp
- Chana dal -1tsp
- Mustard seeds -½tsp
- Urad dal – 1tsp
- Cumin seeds/jeera- 1tsp
- Finely chopped ginger – 1tsp
- Asafoetida a pinch
- Curry leaves
- Coriander leaves
- Salt to taste
- Oil -2 tbsp
Preparation:
Wash and soak the rice for 15-20 minutes.
Meanwhile roughly coarse the green chillies using a pestle and keep aside.
Boil enough water to cook the rice when water starts boiling add 1 teaspoon of salt and stir well.
Now add the soaked rice without water into the boiling water and cook till the rice is done.
Strain the rice using a colander and spread it in a large plate to cool.
Then a heat Kadai with oil, add asafoetida, curry leaves, Chana dal, mustard seeds, urad dal, cumin seeds.
when the cumin seeds crackle add coarse green chillies along with finely chopped ginger, peanuts, cashew nuts, turmeric powder and mix everything well.
Add the cooled rice and give a gentle stir so that everything is combined well. Then add salt along with lemon juice and switch off the flame.
Now combine the rice nicely with the lemon juice and finally garnish with coriander leaves.
Transfer the lemon rice into a serving bowl and enjoy with papadum or pickle.
Few More Delicious Rice Recipes
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Srivalli's Kid's Delight event, guest hosted by Renu themed on Travel Food for Kid
📖 Recipe
Easy Lemon Rice | Easy South Indian Lemon Rice
Ingredients
- Basmati rice -2 cups
- Peanuts/ground nuts -¼cup
- Cashew nuts- ¼ cup
- Green chillies-2 or 3
- Lemon juice – 4tbsp
- Turmeric powder -½tsp
- Chana dal -1tsp
- Mustard seeds -½tsp
- Urad dal – 1tsp
- Cumin seeds/jeera- 1tsp
- Finely chopped ginger – 1tsp
- Asafoetida a pinch
- Curry leaves
- Coriander leaves
- Salt to taste
- Oil -2 tbsp
Instructions
- Wash and soak the rice for 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile roughly coarse the green chillies using a pestle and keep aside.
- Boil enough water to cook the rice when water starts boiling add 1 teaspoon of salt and stir well.
- Now add the soaked rice without water into the boiling water and cook till the rice is done.
- Strain the rice using a colander and spread it in a large plate to cool.
- Then a heat Kadai with oil, add asafoetida, curry leaves, Chana dal, mustard seeds, urad dal, cumin seeds.
- when the cumin seeds crackle add coarse green chillies along with finely chopped ginger, peanuts, cashew nuts, turmeric powder and mix everything well.
- Add the cooled rice and give a gentle stir so that everything is combined well. Then add salt along with lemon juice and switch off the flame.
- Now combine the rice nicely with the lemon juice and finally garnish with coriander leaves.
- Transfer the lemon rice into a serving bowl and enjoy with papadum or pickle.
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My go to lunch box dish anytime.. love it with loads of peanuts...
The Lemon Rice has come out so well. I love this with peanut chutney..very nicely presented Pavani.
This rice brings back fond memories. I was first introduced to it as 'picture rice' translation of chitranna. 🙂 Your version sounds flavorful and perfectly done.
Perfect recipe for travel as well as lunch box. Your lemon rice looks so inviting. Love the addition of peanuts
I love your article. Lemon rice looks healthy. I can image how looks tasty. Can I post your recipe on my blog post? I'd like to share your recipe with my blog audience.
Hi, Thank you for approaching me regarding posting my recipe in your site. Yes, you can post my recipe in your blog to my site. Thanks very much appreciated.
I love lemon rice in my lunch box. Perfect dish for picnics too. We usually temper it with coconut oil for that added flavor. Between love your presentation.
This is one classical dish which will always be a hit with kids and adults. The rice looks super inviting.
That is such a classic dish, right? Perfect for auspicious occasions, picnics, lunch boxes or just a casual meal/snack. But I never made it with Basmati rice 🙂
Awesome looking Lemon Rice . This rice is packed with flavours , and so beautifully presented . The pale yellow looks so pretty with those colourful specs !
Lemon rice is one of mine fav rice... love the flavors and color.
I love lemon rice, such an easy and delicious food. Great for lunch boxes.
I love lemon rice make it quite often with leftover rice.. a good option for kids lunch box or a quick dinner.. yours looks so full of flavours.