If you haven’t heard of chitranna rice, you may think it is some rocket science! But, to be honest, you may have tasted something like this before.
Have you ever eaten fried leftover rice? Chitranna rice somewhat looks like it, but it has such a unique tangy flavour that it will melt in your tongue, giving you immense flavour. CHITRANNA rice is one of the frequently made recipes in south India, and it was originally made with leftover rice. This recipe is made with boiled rice and a noticeable flavour of lemon. It was originally served for breakfast, but it can also be served for dinner and lunch. Let’s get into its recipe.
Choice of rice for Chitranna rice!

You can use sona masoori or basmati rice for cooking Chitranna rice. You can use long-grained rice or short-grained rice according to your choice. In Indian restaurants, you can find it in the names lemon rice as well. It was originally made with leftover rice cause they are moisture-free and dry. So if we are making it with freshly cooked rice, we have to make sure that rice is moisture-free and dry. So for making moisture-free rice, you have taken some precautions.
Lets us have a look at the ingredients required:-
Oil, peanut, cashew, mustard, urad dal, chana dal, red chilli, ginger, chilli asafoetida, curry leaves, turmeric, cooked rice, salt, coriander, add lemon juice.
You can also buy Chitranna masala online and can skip all of the ingredients.
Recipe for making Chitranna rice-

This recipe will serve 4 people.
Step 1. Take the rice into the bowl and wash it properly several times until the water becomes clear. Now pour some fresh water and soak it for half an hour.
Step 2. Now drain the water from their ice and add it to the cooker. Add to 1.75 l or 2 cups of water. And some salt for better cooking of rice.
Step 3. Cook the rice in the pressure cooker for 10 minutes. Or you can turn on the flame in medium or high heat and turn off the flame after 2 to 3 whistles.
Step 4. Now that rice is cooked, you can take it out in a bowl or plate and let it cool. Again, it will be better if you slightly fluff the rice so it will be separated.
Step 5. Take a lemon or two and squeeze them in a bowl. You have to take spoons of lime or lemon juice. The amount of lime can be differed as per your taste.
Step 6. Now take a pan and put 3 tablespoons of oil. Add 1/4 cup of peanuts to it. It will be better if you will use sesame oil. But you can use sunflower oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil.
Step 7. Fry the peanuts on w to medium heat until they become golden and crunchy.
Step 8. Now take 1 tablespoon cashews in the same pan and fry them too.
Step 9. Now take 2 tablespoons of oil and add 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds.
Step 10. When the mustard seeds start crackling, add 1 tablespoon urad dal( black gram) to it. Then add 15 curry leaves, 1 green chilli, and 2 red chillies and cook them till the colour changes to a golden brown.
Step 11. Please switch off the flame and add 1 pinch of turmeric powder to it and 1 pinch of asafoetida.
Step 12. Now pour this mixture to rice and mix cashews and peanuts.
Step 13. Add lemon juice to that rice bowl and mix it nicely. And add salt as required. And let it rest for a few minutes.
Smart tip:- You skip making masala of it and add Chitranna masala to it.
How Chitranna rice tastes!
As you know, it is a south Indian dish, and south Indian dishes are famous for their uniquely spicy, tangy, and mouth-watering flavour. So, as expected, Chitranna rice has tangy and spicy flavours, both smoothness of nuts.
In rainy weather conditions with cold air, you may crave Chitranna rice if you want to prepare this tasty Chitranna masala at your home. If you feel too lazy to try all these steps, you can buy Chitranna masala and skip most of the steps. You can buy Chitranna manual online. Chitranna masala recipe will be easier for you after buying chitranna masala online.
Lemon Rice or Chitranna is very savoury and tasty rice with the proper amount of crunchiness and tanginess. Lemon rice is regular serving food in many homes of south India. If you have leftover rice, this dish can be prepared and served in less than 10 minutes. If you buy Chitranna masala online, it will be prepared in less than 5 Minutes.
If you love to eat lemon rice or Chitranna at your home, this is your recipe. You can also use it to make fried rice.
Enjoy cooking and have a great time with your family and friends. And if you like cooking homemade recipes, please share your experience with us by commenting on the below.