A staple across South India, Lemon Rice (or Chitranna) is a simple yet vibrant dish that balances tangy citrus with earthy spices. Quick to prepare, it transforms plain cooked rice into something refreshing and flavorful, making it a favorite for both everyday meals and festive occasions. With the crunch of peanuts, the aroma of curry leaves, and the zing of fresh lemon juice, it’s comfort food that tastes like sunshine on a plate.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable, sunflower, or sesame)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 3–4 curry leaves
- 2 green chillies, slit lengthwise
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup roasted unsalted peanuts
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Juice of 2 medium lemons
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice (or cooled leftover rice)
- Salt, to taste
How to Make It
- Toast & grind coriander
In a dry skillet over medium–low heat, toast coriander seeds until fragrant (about 1 minute). Remove, cool a bit, and coarsely grind. Set aside. - Heat oil & add tempering
In that same skillet, warm oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and slit green chillies. Fry until the mustard seeds cease popping. - Sauté ginger & peanuts
Add the grated ginger and peanuts. Cook ~1 minute until peanuts are lightly browned and aromatic. - Add turmeric
Stir in turmeric powder, coating everything quickly, then turn off the heat. - Pour in lemon juice
Right away, add the fresh lemon juice. Mix thoroughly with the spiced mixture. - Combine with rice
Add cooked rice, the ground coriander, and salt. Gently fold everything so rice grains remain distinct and evenly coated.
Serving
Lemon Rice is best presented on a wide, flat platter so the golden grains glisten in the light. Garnish with a few fresh curry leaves, extra roasted peanuts, and lemon wedges on the side for an inviting look. Traditionally, it is enjoyed with a bowl of cool yogurt, a crisp papadam, or a dollop of spicy pickle — making the contrast of flavors and textures irresistible. Serve warm or at room temperature, letting the citrus aroma shine through.
Background & Cultural Note
In South India, Lemon Rice is more than just a quick meal — it carries cultural and spiritual significance. Often prepared during temple festivals and offered as prasadam (a sacred food offering), it symbolizes purity, freshness, and the joy of simple flavors. Its bright yellow hue, thanks to turmeric, is considered auspicious, while the tang of lemon adds a cleansing, cooling quality suited to the tropical climate. Whether served at festive gatherings, in lunch boxes, or as temple offerings, Lemon Rice remains a timeless reminder of South India’s culinary heritage.
