Lemon Rice

A comforting recipe made using rice, Lemon Rice is bright, vibrant, citrus-y and delicious.

It comes together in under 30 minutes, needs a handful of ingredients and makes a great side or even a complete meal by itself!

Rice is always in the comfort food category. A bowl of rice with minimal spices or tempering is often the most comforting. Plus it can be paired with so many curries, dal and gravies to make a complete meal.

Growing up I do not recall too many days when rice was not a part of the everyday meal. Steamed rice with dal, jeera rice, yogurt rice, fried rice, biryani and pulao frequented the menu. And when there was leftover rice, it was always converted to something even more flavorful.

Even today, we enjoy a bowl of rice as the best comfort recipe. And today's recipe is no exception. It is a vibrant, flavorful and super fresh recipe that we now enjoy so often as part of our meals. It is called Lemon Rice and as the name suggests; it has mainly rice, lemons and a handful of other ingredients.

Jump to:

• What is Lemon Rice?
• Why this recipe works
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• How to make this recipe
• Expert Tips and Notes
• Recipe FAQs
• Pairing
• More rice recipes to try
• Lemon Rice

What is Lemon Rice?

Lemon Rice is a comforting rice recipe made with cooked rice and a handful of other ingredients. This rice recipe is also referred to as Chitranna this rice is full of flavorful lemon juice, crunchy toppings and nuts.

Enjoyed as a meal by itself or as a side in a South Indian meal, Lemon Rice is a classic recipe. A few ingredients added to the recipe elevates the ordinary steamed rice to a whole new level.

While the recipe is great to make from scratch, it is also amazing to prepare from leftover rice. It does require slightly cooled rice and works wonderfully with it.

Why this recipe works

• This recipe of Lemon Rice is a super quick and easy one. The recipe comes together in under 15 minutes once the rice is ready.
• We only need a handful of ingredients to make the rice. They are all tempering ingredients and a lemon. Plus, the recipe is customizable and we can make do without a couple ingredients too.
• The recipe is great to use any leftover rice that we might have. It helps make them super flavorful and delicious.
• Lemon rice is naturally Vegan and can easily be made gluten-free. Plus, it is toddler friendly as we can control the amount of spice in it.
• This recipe can be enjoyed at room temperature. This makes it a great one for the lunch box as well as for traveling.
• Super easy to make a big batch or small, I love how easy it is to modify the recipe to suit each family's needs.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Basmati Rice: I like to use basmati rice if I am making the recipe from scratch. However, any grain rice can be used if making it from leftover cooked rice. I have even made the same recipe with brown rice and it works fine.
• Lemon: We use a lot of lemon in the recipe. From the juice of the lemon to the zest, we add it all. In fact if you can get a couple kaffir lime leaves, they work wonderfully in the recipe too.
• Peanuts: Whole peanuts add so much texture to the rice and also enhance the taste. So I always add a handful of peanuts to my lemon rice. Skip them for a nut-free version.
• Urad and chana dal: Another couple of ingredients that are great for texture and taste. The chana dal needs to be soaked for a few minutes in warm water before using else it remains brittle in the rice. I would highly recommend adding these.
• Tempering ingredients: For the recipe I use the standard tempering ingredients. I like to add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafetida and curry leaves in oil. Together these bring out the flavors really well in the rice.
• Apart from this, we do add salt, turmeric powder and top the rice with some chopped cilantro. If a couple ingredients are unavailable, the recipe will still work. However, lemon juice and zest, curry leaves and urad dal are a must-have for the authentic flavor.

See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.

How to make this recipe

1- Cook the rice using a Instant Pot or traditional pressure cooker. Release the pressure and open the cooker. Add salt and lemon juice.

2- Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.

3- In a wide pan add oil. Add the whole peanuts.

4- Let them fry for a few minutes till they are crisp and brown. Remove and set aside.

5- In the same oil add mustard seeds and asafetida.

6- Then add cumin seeds, urad dal and chana dal.

7- Once they splutter, add curry leaves, cilantro and green chili. Mix well.

8- Add turmeric powder and turn down the flame.

9- Transfer the tempering along with the fried peanuts, remaining cilantro and lemon zest into the rice.

10- Mix well and enjoy at room temperature or as desired.

Expert Tips and Notes

• Adding some lemon zest takes the recipe from great to amazing. So do not skip that. Also, adding some lemon leaves is a great idea.
• Use lemons that are fresh and ripe for the recipe. Limes are great to use too.
• The recipe needs rice that has cooled down. So either use leftover rice or cool freshly prepared rice before using.
• Peanuts add a lot of crunch to the recipe and so do urad and chana dal. Try and get them all for the perfect crunch. However, cashews, raisins and even cranberries can be added to the recipe for texture.
• The same recipe works with cooked quinoa, brown rice or millet of your choice.
• The recipe is naturally Vegan and can be made gluten-free by picking a flour-free asafetida brand.

Recipe FAQs

Pairing

Lemon Rice by itself is a great meal or breakfast. Plus, it is also amazing to serve as part of a meal. I like to enjoy mine with some freshly made Yogurt or Beetroot Raita.

Plus, to make a delicious dish with pappadam, Indian pickle or coconut chutney.

We have enjoyed it several times as part of a South Indian Thali; served along with Rasam, potato stir-fry, okra stir-fry, yogurt and various chutneys.

Given that the rice is great at room temperature, it makes a good dish for the lunchbox or for picnics. It tastes nice just by itself as it is tangy, salty and has the crunch of multiple elements.

More rice recipes to try

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