South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe

Make the perfect South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe — a tangy, refreshing rice dish flavored with lemon juice, curry leaves, and mustard seeds. Ideal for temple prasadam, lunchbox, or festive meals.

The South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe (known as Chitranna or Elumichai Sadam) is one of the most iconic and comforting dishes in South Indian cuisine. Its tangy, nutty, and aromatic flavor makes it perfect for festivals, temples, or quick weekday lunches.

Made by combining steamed rice with a zesty lemon tempering, this dish delivers the ideal balance of spice, tang, and tradition — embodying the essence of simplicity and flavor in South Indian vegetarian cooking.

🍋 What is South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe?

The South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe is a time-honored dish that blends cooked rice with a flavorful tempering made of mustard seeds, curry leaves, turmeric, and roasted peanuts.
It’s commonly offered as prasadam in temples across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Lemon Rice is light, refreshing, and travel-friendly — ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, or fasting days.

🌿 Health Benefits of South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe

• Rich in Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and improves digestion.

• Vegan and Gluten-Free: Naturally suitable for Satvik and vegan diets.

• Cleansing and Light: Lemon detoxifies and helps balance body heat.

• Quick Meal Option: Can be prepared in under 15 minutes.

• Perfect for Summers: Keeps the body cool and refreshed.

🧂 Ingredients for South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe

For the Lemon Rice

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably Sona Masoori or raw rice)

• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• Salt to taste

For Tempering

• 2 tbsp sesame oil (preferred for authentic flavor)

• 1 tsp mustard seeds

• 1 tsp urad dal

• 1 tsp chana dal

• 2–3 green chilies, slit

• 1–2 dried red chilies

• 10 curry leaves

• ¼ tsp turmeric powder

• 1 pinch hing (asafoetida)

• 2 tbsp roasted peanuts or cashews

Garnish

• 2 tbsp chopped coriander

• 1 tbsp grated coconut (optional for Karnataka-style chitranna)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

1. Cook rice until fluffy (each grain should remain separate).

2. Spread it on a plate and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Tempering

1. Heat oil in a pan.

2. Add mustard seeds; let them splutter.

3. Add urad dal and chana dal, fry until golden.

4. Add green chilies, red chilies, curry leaves, and hing.

5. Sprinkle turmeric and mix well.

6. Add roasted peanuts or cashews; sauté for 1 minute.

Step 3: Combine

1. Add the cooled rice and salt to the tempering.

2. Mix gently so the rice absorbs the spices.

3. Switch off the flame and pour in lemon juice.

4. Mix lightly to preserve the grain texture.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe with curd, papad, or coconut chutney.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions for South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe

• Serve as part of a South Indian thali with sambar and curd rice.

• Pair with boondi raita, mango pickle, or banana chips.

• Traditionally offered as temple prasadam during auspicious days.

🏺 Storage and Shelf Life

• At room temperature: Up to 8 hours (great for travel).

• In refrigerator: 2–3 days in an airtight container.

• Reheat: Sprinkle little water and steam lightly before serving.

💚 Quick Facts

🪄 Tips for Perfect South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe

• Always add lemon juice after turning off the flame to retain tanginess.

• Use cold rice — prevents clumping.

• A pinch of sugar balances lemon’s acidity.

• For Karnataka-style chitranna, add grated coconut and coriander.

• Avoid over-turmeric; it can make the dish bitter.

🧘‍♀️ Health & Nutrition

This South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe is a light, digestive-friendly dish ideal for detox days. It’s oil-light, rich in vitamin C, and naturally gluten-free — making it suitable for people with dietary restrictions or mild digestion issues.

Pairing it with curd or buttermilk enhances probiotic balance and cooling effect.

🪔 Cultural Significance

Lemon Rice is one of the pancha sadam (five sacred rice varieties) offered in temples during Navaratri and Aadi Perukku.
It symbolizes purity and balance — combining sourness (lemon), heat (chili), and calmness (rice) in perfect harmony.

In many Tamil homes, it’s also a must-have dish during travel or picnics because it stays fresh longer.

The South Indian Lemon Rice Recipe is a celebration of simplicity, balance, and tradition. Each bite captures the tang of lemon, crunch of peanuts, and aroma of curry leaves — a true reflection of South India’s culinary soul.

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Use Full Links

• Coconut Chutney Recipe
• Curd Rice Recipe
• Boondi Raita Recipe
• Rajasthani Mirchi Vada Recipe
• Authentic Gujarati Methi Thepla Recipe

❓ FAQs

1. Can I use basmati rice for Lemon Rice?
You can, but short-grain rice like Sona Masoori gives a better authentic texture.

2. Why is my Lemon Rice sticky?
It means the rice was too hot or overcooked when mixed. Always cool it first.

3. Can I skip peanuts in this recipe?
Yes, replace them with cashews or skip entirely for a nut-free version.

4. What oil is best for Lemon Rice?
Sesame oil gives a traditional South Indian aroma and flavor.

5. Can Lemon Rice be made a day ahead?
Yes, it keeps well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day.

 Author Pack

Author: Bhima – Founder of Bhimascook.com
Bhima specializes in traditional Indian vegetarian recipes, emphasizing cultural authenticity and health balance. With a passion for temple foods and regional cuisines, he celebrates India’s rich culinary heritage through simple, wholesome recipes.