Lemon Rice Recipe

Lemon Rice Recipe (Chitranna)

Traditional South Indian quick lemon rice also known as chitranna or nimmakaya pulihora is a popular dish made for a meal. To make this, precooked rice is tempered with spices, dal, curry leaves and nuts. Lastly it is mixed with fresh lemon juice to impart a refreshing and delicious flavor. Recipe with instructions for stovetop & Instant pot.

Prep: 2min

Total: 27min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 516 kcal, Carbohydrate 79 g, Protein 11 g, Fat 16 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Sodium 409 mg, Fiber 3 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups rice uncooked ((or 4 cups cooked rice))
• 2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice (or lime juice as needed (1 medium lemon))
• ½ teaspoon salt ((adjust to taste))
• 2 tablespoon oil
• ¾ teaspoon mustard seeds
• 4 tablespoon peanuts (or cashews)
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon turmeric powder ((haldi))
• 2 green chili (slit (refer notes if making for kids))
• 1 sprig curry leaves ((kadi patta))
• 1 ½ teaspoon chana dal ((bengal gram) (optional))
• 1 teaspoon urad dal ((skinned black gram) (Optional))
• 1 pinch hing ((asafoetida) (optional))
• ½ tbsp ginger (finely chopped)
• 2 dried red chilies (broken)

Instruction:

1. Fluff up the rice gently with a fork and cool completely. This helps to keep the rice grainy & firm.
2. Taste the lemon rice. If needed sprinkle more salt and add more lemon juice. Garnish with roasted peanuts or cashews. Serve lemon rice with plain yogurt, papad or pickle.
3. Garnish lemon rice with roasted peanuts and serve with yogurt.

Lemon Rice

This zesty lemon rice is the perfect summer side dish! It’s creamy, savory, and packed with bright citrus flavor! Serve it with your favorite fish or meat dishes for a crave-worthy meal.

Prep: 5min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 203 kcal, Carbohydrate 38 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 3 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Trans Fat 0.1 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Sodium 461 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, unSaturated Fat 1.2 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup long grain rice, (uncooked)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 lemon zested ((I like it lemony! Add less or more to your liking))
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice ((about one lemon))
• fresh basil (to garnish (optional))

Instruction:

1. In a medium pot with a lid, combine the chicken broth, rice, butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Cover the pot and allow the rice to simmer slowly for 20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed.
4. Fluff with a fork, season with salt if needed, and garnish with fresh minced basil.

Lemon Rice | Quick Lunch | Easy Lunch Box Recipe | Indian Recipes

FAQ

What does lemon juice do to rice?

Is it good to eat rice with lemon?

What do you do with lemon rice?

How to make lemon fried rice?

1. Heat the oil in a stainless steal pan until very hot.
2. Add the lemon rind and fry for about 30 seconds so that the oil picks up the lemony flavour.
3. Pour in the cold cooked rice and stir like crazy for about two minutes until all the rice grains are nicely coated with the oil.
4. Turn up the heat.