Zesty Lemon Rice: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Indian Dish

Lemon rice, or “Chitranna,” or “Pulihora” is a vibrant and tangy South Indian dish that’s simple yet packed with flavor. With its zesty lemon kick and the earthy fragrance of curry leaves and mustard seeds, it’s a dish that can turn an ordinary meal into a burst of freshness. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a larger spread.

Serving Size: 2

Ingredients List

[1 Teaspoon = 5ml, 1 Tablespoon = 15ml, 1 Cup = 236ml]

• Cooked Rice – 2 Cups (cooled, preferably a day old)
• Lemon Juice – 2 Tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
• Ghee or Oil – 2 Tablespoons
• Mustard Seeds – 1 Teaspoon
• Cumin Seeds – 1 Teaspoon
• Cashew – As Per Requirement
• Dry Red Chilies – 2, broken into pieces
• Urad Dal (Black Gram) – 1 Teaspoon
• Chana Dal (Split Chickpeas) – 1 Teaspoon
• Green Chilies – 2, finely chopped
• Curry Leaves – 8–10 leaves
• Turmeric Powder – 1/2 Teaspoon
• Peanuts – 2 Tablespoons (roasted)
• Asafoetida (Hing) – A pinch
• Salt – To taste
• Fresh Coriander – A handful, finely chopped (for garnish)

Tools Required

• Pan
• Spatula
• Mixing Bowl

Instructions

The Tempering Magic:

1. Heat the Pan: Place a pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil. Once hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add Aromatics: Toss in cumin seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Fry them until they turn golden and release a nutty aroma.
3. Spice it Up: Add broken red chilies, green chilies, curry leaves, Peanuts, Cashew, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté for a minute until the chilies soften and the curry leaves become crisp.
4. Add Turmeric: Stir in the turmeric powder for that beautiful golden color.

Mixing It All Together:

1. Add the Rice: Now, gently add the cooked rice to the pan and toss well to coat every grain with the spice mixture.
2. Flavor with Lemon: Turn off the heat and pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well to distribute the tangy flavor.
3. Crunch with Peanuts: Add roasted peanuts for a delightful crunch. Season with salt to taste and give it one final toss.

Garnishing:

1. Fresh and Bright: Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh coriander for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Rice:

• Use Day-Old Rice: For the best texture, use rice that’s been cooked and cooled beforehand. This ensures your lemon rice doesn’t turn mushy.
• Adjust the Tanginess: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your preference for tanginess.

Serving Suggestions:

Lemon rice is incredibly versatile! You can eat without any sides or you can serve it with papad, a side of yogurt, or pair it with your favorite curry. It’s also a perfect addition to a South Indian-style feast along with sambar and coconut chutney.

Final Thoughts:

This easy, tangy, and flavorful Lemon Rice is a refreshing way to bring some zest into your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a side for a larger meal, this dish hits all the right notes of flavor, simplicity, and tradition.

Let us know how your lemon rice turns out! Drop a comment and share your feedback or any unique twists you like to add. We’d love to hear from you!

Key Nutritional Points:

Vitamins & Minerals: Lemon rice is a good source of Vitamin C from lemon juice, and also provides iron and calcium from the lentils and spices.

Calories: Lemon Rice provides about 290 calories per cup serving.

Carbohydrates: The dish is primarily carbohydrate-based due to the rice, offering 45g per serving.

Protein: You’ll get about 6g of protein, thanks to the peanuts and dal.

Fat: The addition of ghee or oil contributes 10g of fat, including 2g of saturated fat.

Fiber: The dish is moderately high in fiber with 4g per serving, aiding digestion.

This nutritional report is an estimate and can vary depending on the exact quantities and specific brands of ingredients used.