Lemon Rice | Elumichai Sadam with Homegrown Lemons | Lunchbox recipe

There's something truly special about cooking with ingredients you've grown yourself. This vibrant and tangy Lemon Rice gets its authentic flavor from fresh lemons picked straight from my terrace garden – bringing the essence of homegrown goodness to every bite.  

Lemon Rice, also known as Chitranna in South India, is more than just a quick meal; it's a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. The bright citrus notes from garden-fresh lemons elevate this humble dish, making it perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, or a light meal any time of day.

Whether you're enjoying it on its own or pairing it with crispy Onion Pakoda, curd rice, or Potato Roast, this aromatic rice dish captures the true spirit of home cooking – where the best ingredients come from your own backyard.

Quick to make, bursting with flavor, and made with love from garden to plate!

You may also like: 5 easy variety rice recipes, Pudina Sadam, Baby Potato Fry, Vazhakkai Chips, Raw Banana Tawa Fry

Ingredients for making Lemon Rice

Raw rice – 1 cup
Oil – 2 Tbsp.
Peanuts – two handfuls
Mustard seeds,
curry leaves,
Urad dal (split black gram – 1 tsp)
Turmeric – a generous pinch
Green chillies – 1 or 2 (optional if made for kids)
Salt – to taste
Lemon - 1 no.

Method for for making Lemon Rice

1. Pressure cook the rice using 2 cups of water. Wait for 3 whistles. The rice should not be overcooked. Spread the cooked rice in a plate and allow to cool.

2. Heat oil in a kadai, splutter the mustard seeds, add urad dal let it become golden brown, add the peanuts, curry leaves, chillies and then add the lemon juice, turmeric powder and the required amount of salt. Allow this to boil just for a minute.

3. Pour this to the cooked rice and mix well.

Now the Lemon Rice is ready. You can also use rice sevai for this. 

 For making Lemon Sevai click the link: Lemon Peanut Sevai