Simple and Satisfying Lemon Rice Recipe

Jump to Recipe

Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the sunny streets of South India with this delicious and tangy Lemon Rice recipe! It is also known locally as Chitranna or Nimmakaya Pulihora. This dish is a perfect balance of tart and savory flavors, made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, aromatic spices, and crunchy nuts. Whether you have leftover rice or are cooking it, especially for this recipe, you’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can come together to create such a mouth-watering dish. So gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and let’s get cooking!

Lemon rice is a staple dish in South India, where it is enjoyed for its bright lemon flavor and simplicity. The dish uses simple ingredients like fresh lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and spices, and you can make it using brown rice, regular rice, or even basmati rice. You can also cook this dish in a variety of ways, including on the stovetop in a medium saucepan, in a rice cooker, or in an Instant Pot. The nutty flavor of the dish comes from the use of mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and cashews, which are fried in oil to release their aromatic flavors.

The origin of lemon rice is not clear, but it is a popular dish in South Indian cuisine. This recipe resembles my favorite Greek and Mediterranean recipes like Greek lemon rice pilaf. This famous Greek rice is made with plenty of fresh lemon, making the delicious lemon rice recipe an easy side dish. The South Indian version, however, plays with ingredients like roast peanuts, turmeric powder, and aromatic garlic. Lemon rice pairs well with a mixture of vegetable and chicken broths, which help to add depth and richness to the dish. It is a perfect side dish to accompany Greek pasta salad, pork chops, chicken souvlaki, Greek chicken, or any other Mediterranean dish.

Ingredients List

Rice

Boiled Rice Plain rice provides the base for the dish and contributes to its texture. You can use brown rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice or any other type of rice grains for this rice dish.

Spices

Mustard seeds contribute to the flavor and aroma, and also serve as a tempering agent.

Udad dal adds a nutty flavor to the dish and contributes to the texture.

Chana dal also enhances the flavor and diversifies its texture.

Red chili adds heat and spiciness to the dish.

Green chilies along with red chili can add multiple layers of heat to the dish.

Curry leaves give the characteristic South Indian aroma and flavor to the rice.

Asafoetida adds a pungent and savory flavor to the dish.

Herbs

Coriander leaves add freshness and herby flavor to the dish.

Nuts and seeds

Cashews and peanuts add crunchiness and nuttiness to the dish.

Liquids

Oil is used to cook the ingredients and adds richness to the dish. Whether you prefer using olive oil, avocado oil, or unsalted butter, the choice is yours; just make sure to add a tablespoon of sesame oil for the best results.

Lemon juice adds tartness and tang to the dish and also helps to balance the flavors.

Step by Step Instructions For Lemon Rice

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal to the pan and fry for a few seconds until fragrant.

Then add the red chili, green chilies, and curry leaves to the pan and fry again for a few seconds.

Also add the cashews and peanuts to the pan and fry until golden brown, making sure to stir continuously to prevent burning.

Then add turmeric powder to the mix.

Also add 1 tbsp of lemon juice to the pan and stir to mix.

Then add the boiled rice to the pan.

Mix everything together until it is all well combined.

Stir in fresh coriander leaves and also add some more lemon juice for extra tanginess (optional).

Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

It is a versatile dish that you can serve in many ways to create a delicious and well-rounded meal. One way to enjoy it is by pairing it with a spicy Indian curry, such as South Indian chicken curry or potato masala. Another option is to top the rice with some crisp stir-fried vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions, for added texture and flavor. Additionally, you can serve it as a side dish with grilled meats, such as chicken or fish, for a light and refreshing meal along with idlis or bread. You can also serve it in a platter with other South Indian meals like Puri bhaji and sweets like Soan papdi. However, the dish can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful lunch or snack.

Storage Suggestions

This dish is easy to make, and you can easily store it in an airtight container for the entire week, making it a great choice for busy households. To ensure that your Lemon Rice stays fresh and flavorful, it’s important to store it properly. First, let the Rice cool to room temperature before storing it. Next, transfer the rice to an airtight container to prevent any air from getting in. Label the container with the date and contents, so you can keep track of when you made it. Then, place the container in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for 4-5 days. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious Lemon Rice for several days.

FAQs