Citron Lime Rice - Herlekai Chitranna

Chitranna is prepared in many varieties, this recipe is one among them. The fresh and bitter tang of citron gives a different flavour. We extract the juice and prepare chitranna from it and the peel is used to make pickles which gives an outstanding mouth-watering taste. Citron lime rice is very popular in the southern part of India. This is a seasonal fruit which is good for health. This rice is very easy to prepare and can be prepared quickly.  Here I am going to share the recipe today.

    
Cuisine: India| Cooking: 15 minutes
Preparation: 5 minutes | serves: 3-4

Ingredients:

Cooked Rice             -    1 ½ cups/pavu
Coriander leaves       -   3 tbsp
Green chillies           -    4-5
Turmeric powder      -    1 tbsp
Salt                          -    as per taste
Citron juice              -    1 fruit juice
Onion                       -    1 big size 
Grated coconut         -    ½ cup

To Temper:

Oil                           -   4-5 tbsp
Mustard seeds          -   1 tbsp
Urad dal                  -    1 tbsp         
Chana Dal                -    1 tbsp
Peanuts                   -     2 tbsp
Curry leaves            -     1 spring
Hing/Asafoetida       -    a pinch (optional)

Method:

1. Cook rice apart by adding water in a pressure cooker for 2 whistles in a medium flame and allow it to cool and set aside.
2. Heat a deep pan/Kadai by adding oil in it. Once heated add peanuts and stir till it turns a little brown.
3. Now add mustard seeds, chana dal, urad dal and fry for a minute.
4. Once chana dal and urad dal turn a golden colour, add green chillies, curry leaves and a pinch asafoetida/hing and Fry for a minute.
5. After 1 minute, add onion and turmeric and fry until onion gets transparency and raw smell of turmeric goes well.
6. Once it is done switch off the flame and adds prepared rice followed by citron lime juice and salt.
7. Mix all together properly, check for salt and sourness. If needed add more citron juice and adjust the salt.
8. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut and serve it hot.

Notes:   

• Take care of peanuts, chana dal and urad dal. Do not overcook or undercook as it spoils the taste of the rice.