Swaadista

Chitranna, also known as lemon rice, is a popular breakfast dish from Karnataka that is very simple to prepare. This flavorful dish has delightful crunch from peanuts and chickpeas, spiciness from green chilies, tanginess from lemon, and a touch of sweetness from onions. Additionally, the combination of coconut and coriander leaves enhances the overall taste, making this rice dish a delicious choice for any meal!

I learned this recipe from my mom, and it has become one of my comfort meals. Back home, it was traditionally served for breakfast. But I enjoy making it for lunch for my family. I especially love to serve this authentic dish on festival days.

For this recipe, you can use either freshly cooked rice or leftover rice. However, make sure to warm the leftover rice before adding it to the gravy and mixing it for better flavor.

Ingredients:

1 cup or 200 g of jeera rice, cooked
4-5 tablespoons of cooking oil (I use cold-pressed peanut oil)
2 tablespoons of peanuts
1 tablespoon of chana dal or split chickpeas
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
4 green chilies, split into halves
a sprig of curry leaves
a medium red onion, chopped
1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder
salt to taste
a handful of chopped coriander leaves
2 tablespoons of grated coconut
lemon

Method:

Heat oil in a deep skillet.

Once hot, add peanuts and chana dal. Fry them on medium heat until they turn golden brown.

Add mustard seeds, and allow them to pop.

Add green chilies, curry leaves, and onion, and saute them until onion is translucent.

Add turmeric powder and salt, and saute for a couple of seconds and turn off heat.

Now add chopped coriander leaves, grated coconut, and squeeze juice of half a lemon, and mix.

Transfer cooked rice into the skillet and mix to coat the rice well.

Taste for salt and tanginess, and adjust if necessary.

Serve hot with coconut chutney. Enjoy!

Note:

Turn off the heat before adding lemon juice; otherwise, the dish becomes bitter.

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If you tried this recipe, let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment below or tagging a picture of your preparation on Instagram @swaadista

Happy cooking, happy eating! ❤