Lemon Rice (Chitranna)

A classic South Indian tempered rice dish, bright with lemon and studded with peanuts and lentils.

⏱️ Prep: 5 min🍳 Cook: 15 min

Nutrition

235

Calories

4.5g

Protein

46g

Carbs

Fat

250 g		cooked plain rice (cooled)
2 tbsp	30 ml	sesame oil or vegetable oil
1 tsp	5 ml	mustard seeds
1 tsp	5 ml	chana dal
1 tsp	5 ml	urad dal
2 tbsp	30 ml	peanuts
10		fresh curry leaves
2		dried red chillies
½ tsp	2.5 ml	turmeric powder
3 tbsp	45 ml	lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
to taste		salt
2 tbsp	30 ml	fresh coriander, chopped

Difficulty: Beginner. Serves 4. Dietary labels: Vegan | Vegetarian | Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free.

Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds; when they pop, add chana dal, urad dal, peanuts, curry leaves, and red chillies. Fry until golden.
Reduce heat, add turmeric and salt. Stir.
Add the cooked rice and mix gently. Turn off heat.
Pour lemon juice over the rice and mix well.
Garnish with coriander and serve at room temperature or warm.

Chef's tip: Never heat lemon juice – it turns bitter. Always add it after removing the pan from the heat.