Vegetable Lemon Rice Recipe

Lemon rice, or Chitranna, is a South Indian rice dish made by mixing cooked rice with a tempering of mustard seeds, dal, peanuts, curry leaves, chilies, and turmeric powder for its characteristic yellow color, finished with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy flavor. This popular dish is a quick and versatile meal, often prepared with leftover rice and served for lunch, as a snack, or packed in lunchboxes.


October 13, 2025
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Lemon rice, or Chitranna, is a South Indian rice dish made by mixing cooked rice with a tempering of mustard seeds, dal, peanuts, curry leaves, chilies, and turmeric powder for its characteristic yellow color, finished with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy flavor. This popular dish is a quick and versatile meal, often prepared with leftover rice and served for lunch, as a snack, or packed in lunchboxes.


Servings

1 people

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Difficulty

Medium

Total Calories

280


Vegetable Lemon Rice Recipe Ingredients

Servings

1

What Ingredients do I Need for Vegetable Lemon Rice?

  • 1 cup Cooked white rice - default
  • 0.25 cup Carrot, Orange - default
  • 0.25 cup Beans, Snap, Green, Canned, Regular Pack, Drained Solids - default
  • 2 tbsp Green peas - default
  • 1 piece Chillies, Green-2 - default
  • 0.5 tsp Ginger, Fresh - default
  • 1 tbsp Lemon, Juice - default
  • 0.25 tsp Turmeric Powder - default
  • 0.5 tsp Salt, Table, Iodized - default
  • 1 tbsp Sesame oil - default
  • 0.25 tsp Mustard Seeds - default
  • 0.5 tsp Black Gram, Dal ( split ) - default
  • 0.5 tsp Bengal Gram, Dal ( split ) - default
  • 1 piece Chillies, Red - default
  • 6 piece Curry Leaves - default
  • 1 pinch Asafoetida - default
  • 1 tbsp Coriander Leaves ( fresh ) - default

Instructions: How to Make Vegetable Lemon Rice

  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add urad dal, chana dal, dried red chili, and fry until golden.
  • Add green chili, grated ginger, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté for 30 seconds.
  • Add chopped carrots, green beans, and peas. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  • Add turmeric powder and salt. Mix well.
  • Add the cooked rice and gently mix until everything is combined and the rice turns yellow.
  • Turn off the heat and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Mix well.
  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve warm.

Equipments Needed

Non-stick or heavy-bottomed pan

Spatula

Cutting board and knife

Measuring spoons

Bowl (for cooked rice)

Variations and Substitutes

Use brown rice for added fiber.

Skip green chilies for a milder version.

Add roasted peanuts or cashews for crunch and protein.

Use ghee instead of oil for a richer flavor (if not vegan).

Vegetable Lemon Rice Serving Suggestions

Serve with papad, pickle, or plain yogurt for a complete and balanced meal.


Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water to retain moisture.





Visual Presentation

Serve on a plate or banana leaf, garnished with coriander and a lemon wedge on the side. For visual appeal, place a few colorful sautéed veggies on top.



Nutrition facts

Serving Size:

Servings

1


Amount per serving

Calories:280


% Daily Value*
  • Total Fat:8 g
    10%
    • Saturated Fat:8 g
      10%
    • Trans Fat: g
      -
    • Polyunsaturated Fat:2.50 g
      -
    • Monounsaturated Fat:2 g
      -
  • Cholestrol: mg
    -
  • Sodium:400 mg
    17%
  • Total Carbohydrates:45 g
    16%
    • Dietary Fiber:4 g
      14%
    • Sugars:3 g
      -
  • Protein:6 g
    12%
  • Vitamin A:3100 iu
    62%
  • Vitamin C:18 mg
    20%
  • Vitamin D:
    -
  • Vitamin E:1.10 mg
    7%
  • Vitamin K:5 iu
    4%
  • Vitamin B1:0.15 mg
    13%
  • Vitamin B2:0.12 mg
    9%
  • Vitamin B3:1.60 mg
    10%
  • Vitamin B6:0.20 mg
    12%
  • Vitamin B9:40 mcg
    10%
  • Vitamin B12:
    -
  • Calcium:50 mg
    4%
  • Potassium:350 mg
    7%
  • Sodium:400 mg
    17%
  • Chloride:350 mg
    15%
  • Magnesium:35 mg
    8%
  • Iron:1.80 mg
    10%
  • Zinc:0.90 mg
    8%
  • Manganese:0.40 mg
    17%
  • Selenium:3 mcg
    5%
  • Glycemic Index:
    -

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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Last Updated: Mon Feb 16 2026

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