Lemon Rice Recipe - Tangy South Indian Rice Dish
About This Recipe
Quick and easy lemon rice (chitranna) recipe - a tangy, flavorful Tamil rice dish perfect for lunch boxes and travel. Ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp urad dal
- 1 tsp chana dal
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1 inch ginger, finely chopped
- 10-12 curry leaves
- 2 dry red chilies
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
- 15-20 peanuts
- Salt to taste
- Coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Cook rice and let it cool completely. Fluff with a fork to separate grains.
- 2
Heat oil in a wide pan or kadai.
- 3
Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- 4
Add urad dal and chana dal. Fry until golden.
- 5
Add peanuts and fry until crispy.
- 6
Add green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, and dry red chilies. Sauté for 1 minute.
- 7
Add turmeric powder and asafoetida. Mix well.
- 8
Turn off heat. Add the cooled rice and mix gently.
- 9
Add lemon juice and salt. Mix thoroughly but gently to avoid breaking rice grains.
- 10
Turn heat back on low for 2 minutes to warm through.
- 11
Garnish with coriander leaves and serve.
Cooking Tips
- Use day-old refrigerated rice for best results
- Don't add lemon juice while heat is on - it can turn bitter
- Adjust lemon juice based on your taste preference
- Can add raw mango for extra tanginess
- Perfect for lunch boxes as it stays fresh longer
- Store in refrigerator for up to 2 days
Nutrition Information
Per serving. Values are approximate.
Lemon rice is Tamil Nadu’s answer to quick, flavorful comfort food - a bright yellow, tangy rice dish that’s perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, and travel. It’s one of the most practical recipes in Tamil cuisine.
The Perfect Travel Food
Lemon rice is legendary as travel food in South India. Before the era of food delivery apps, Tamil families always packed lemon rice for train journeys, road trips, and picnics. The citric acid acts as a natural preservative, keeping the rice fresh for hours.
Temple Prasadam
Many Tamil temples offer lemon rice as prasadam to devotees. The dish is considered auspicious and is often prepared during festivals and special occasions. Its bright yellow color (from turmeric) is associated with prosperity and positivity.
Lunch Box Favorite
Working professionals and students across Tamil Nadu rely on lemon rice for lunch boxes. It requires no reheating, stays fresh, and tastes delicious even at room temperature.
Variations
- Add vegetables: Carrots, beans, peas for extra nutrition
- Add raw mango: For extra tanginess (manga chitranna)
- Add coconut: Grated coconut for richness
- Make it spicy: Extra green chilies and ginger
Health Benefits
Lemon rice is not just tasty but healthy - lemon provides vitamin C, turmeric offers anti-inflammatory benefits, and peanuts add protein and healthy fats.
Recipe Info
- Cuisine Tamil Nadu
- Course Main Course
- Diet Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free
- Prep Time 10 minutes
- Cook Time 10 minutes
- Total Time 20 minutes