Chitranna

Name: Chitranna
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings (1 cup each)
Cuisine: south_indian
Ingredients: 4 cup cooked rice (preferably cooled or leftover rice); 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp mustard seeds; 1 tbsp chana dal; 1 tbsp urad dal; 0.25 cup peanuts (raw); 3 pcs green chilies (slit lengthwise); 12 pcs curry leaves; 0.5 tsp turmeric powder; 1 pinch hing; 3 tbsp lemon juice (from 1-2 large lemons); 1.5 tsp salt; 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance flavors); 2 tbsp coriander leaves (chopped, for garnish)

RATING

4.6/5(127)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

A zesty and aromatic South Indian rice dish, bright with the flavor of lemon juice and crunchy with peanuts. This Karnataka classic comes together in minutes and is perfect for a quick lunch or tiffin box.

PREP

10m

COOK

15m

SERVES

1 CUP

421 cal

SERVINGS

INSTRUCTIONS

5 steps. 15 minutes total.

5 STEPS

1
Prepare the rice
- a.If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a large plate to cool down completely. This prevents the grains from breaking or becoming mushy when mixed.
2
To make the tempering, heat oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat
- a.Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add the chana dal, urad dal, and peanuts. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until they turn light golden brown. Add the slit green chilies and curry leaves and sauté for 30 seconds. Lower the heat, add the turmeric powder and hing, and stir.
3
Turn off the heat
- a.Add the cooled rice to the pan along with the salt, sugar (if using), and fresh lemon juice.
4
Step 4
- a.Gently toss everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the tempering and has a uniform yellow color. Be careful not to mash the rice grains.
5
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve
- a.Chitranna can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Using leftover, refrigerated rice gives the best texture as the grains are firm and separate.
2
Always add lemon juice after turning off the heat to prevent it from turning bitter.
3
For extra crunch, you can add a tablespoon of roasted cashews along with the peanuts.
4
Ensure the dals are fried to a golden brown for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
5
You can prepare the tempering mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just mix with fresh rice when ready to serve.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

high protein

Complete meals featuring this recipe

punjabi·70 min·451 cal

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Chitranna

For 4 servings

5 steps. 15 minutes total.

Prepare the rice

To make the tempering, heat oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat

Turn off the heat

Step 4

Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve

What to keep in mind.

Adapt it for your goals.

High protein

Healthy

Kid friendly

Jain

Complete meals featuring this recipe

Aloo Paratha, Perugu and Mango Pickle

Lemon Rice, Cucumber Raita and Sutta Appalam

Mango Kefir Lassi

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