Chitranna is a popular dish from the South Indian state of Karnataka, made with rice and flavoured with a mixture of spices, herbs, and lemon juice. Chitranna recipe is very simple and can be done by almost anybody. is a simple, quick, and delicious meal that can be prepared with minimal ingredients and in less than 30 minutes.
The dish is versatile and can be served as a main course or as a side dish with a variety of curries. When served as the main course, a great lemon rice side dish would be mashed potatoes or a simple salad. It is also known as lemon rice in English.

Chitranna is an excellent way to use leftover rice, as the flavours are infused into the grains to create a tasty and nutritious meal. The dish is often made with basmati or long-grain rice, but any type of rice can be used, including brown rice or jasmine rice. Thus, below is a simple lemon rice recipe.
To make lemon rice, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of Biryani Basmati Rice (Cooked)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon urad dal
- 1 teaspoon chana dal
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon split Bengal gram
- 1 tablespoon Mustard oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon green chilli paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt, to taste
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish
Steps To Make the Lemon Rice:
- In a large pan, heat the kachi ghani mustard oil over medium heat
- From the above-given lemon rice ingredients, add the mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and cumin seeds, and split the Bengal gram into the pan. Cook until the spices begin to crackle and become fragrant
- Add the ginger paste and green chilli paste to the pan and cook for a minute, stirring continuously
- Add the turmeric powder to the pan and stir to combine
- Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix well to combine with the spices
- Season the rice with salt, to taste
- Add the lemon juice to the pan and mix well
- Cook the rice for a few minutes, until heated through
- Serve the Chitranna hot, garnished with chopped coriander leaves
Conclusion
Chitranna is a delicious, quick, and simple dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. It is an excellent way to use leftover rice and is a great option for a busy weeknight meal or a quick lunch. Lemon rice preparation can be done with a variety of curries, including chicken curry, lamb curry, or vegetable curry.
It can also be served with pickles, chutneys, or raita to add extra flavour and texture. Some popular variations include adding grated coconut to the dish or substituting lemon juice with tamarind paste. Additionally, vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or peas can be added to the dish to make it more nutritious and filling.
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The dish is flavourful, nutritious, and easy to prepare, making it a favourite in South Indian cuisine. So, give it a try and enjoy the flavours of lemon rice in your kitchen!
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