By Rittwik Naskar
Can anything taste more heavenly and filling like a bowl of lemon rice? Also known as Chitranna, this South Indian dish sees rice cooked with lemon juice, spices, peanuts, and fresh herbs. Here's how to make perfect lemon rice at home every single time.
2 tbsp coconut oil 1 tbsp split chana dal 1 tsp split urad dal, mustard seeds, and minced ginger 2 green chillies, slit in half 1 sprig of curry leaves ¼ tsp asafoetida and salt ½ tsp turmeric powder and sugar 1 cup basmati rice, washed 1½ cups water ¼ cup lemon juice 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, cashews, and finely chopped coriander leaves
In a pan, heat the oil and add the split chana and urad dal. Saute them till browned, followed by the mustard seeds.
Once the mustard seeds start to splutter, add the curry leaves, minced ginger, asafoetida, and turmeric powder and give it a few stirs in the pan.
Add the rice, followed by the water and season with salt and sugar. Cook for 15-20 minutes with a lid on, to allow the rice to soak up the water and the flavourings.
Open the lid of the pan and add the lemon juice, roasted nuts and fluff up the rice with a fork.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and mix gently to incorporate everything and serve with a bowl of yoghurt.