Lemon Rice

Chitranna (Kannada: ಚಿತ್ರಾನ್ನ; also known as lemon-rice) is a rice-based dish widely prepared in South India. It is prepared by mixing cooked rice with a special seasoning called Oggarane or Gojju. Characteristic for the seasoning are mustard seeds, fried lentils, peanuts, curry leaves, chillies, lemon juice and other optional items such as scrapes of unripe mango. Added Turmeric powder gives Chitranna its yellow color. Garlic and onions are also used in the seasoning by some, although traditionally they do not form part of the recipe. The dish is especially popular in the south Indian state of Karnataka, where it has become a part of the daily diet.

History

Chitranna rice dish finds its mention in medieval Indian cookbooks Manasollasa (1130 CE) and Pakadarpana (1200 CE) as "Chitrapaka"

Summarised Preparation

Heat oil in a kadai. Add mustard seeds, channa dal, urad dal, dry red chillies, curry leaves and fry for 30 seconds.Now add in salt and turmeric powder and fry for 10 seconds.

Add lemon juice in and mix well.Immediately add cooked rice in and mix well. Stir until everything is heated through.

Serve hot or put in lunch box along with potato poriyal

Lemon rice ready to serve. Enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Rice cooked

• 1 tsp Urad dal

• 1 tsp Mustard seeds / Kaduku

• 1 tsp Channa Dal / Kadala Paruppu

• 2 Dry Red Chillies

• 1 spring Curry leaves

• 1 tsp Turmeric Powder / Manjal Podi to taste

• Salt

• 1 Lemon

• 2 tbsp Oil