CHITRANNA ಚಿತ್ರಾನ್ನ

CHITRANNA (LEMON RICE) with a difference

INTRODUCTION

This Rice variety is a favourite of mothers with school going children. Most of us have been having this rice variety since we can remember. But I have tasted this rice in different places with different ingredients and I have imparted my special touch to the recipe which will make you ask for more. Enjoy this rice as it is or with different curries. I assure you that you would come to love this rice once you taste it.




INGREDIENTS

Ponni Rice (old) 1 cup
Shelled Peanuts 1/4 cup
Onion sliced 1 big
Turmeric powder 3/4 to 1 spoon
Methi (fenugreek seeds) 1/4 spoon (for tampering)
Mustard seeds 3/4 spoon
Channa dal (split chick peas) 2 spoons
Black gram dal 1 spoon
Curry leaves 2 sprigs
Green chilies sliced fine 3 nos.
Dry Red chilies 2 to 3 nos. (broken )
Sesame seeds 3 to 4 spoons
Lime Juice from 2 big limes
Oil for tempering 3 ladles
Salt to taste


METHOD OF PREPARATION

Cook rice in usual South Indian manner which renders each grain separate. Let it get sufficiently cold. Now add salt, Lime Juice and turmeric powder. Gently mix them thoroughly and set aside. Take oil in a kadai/wok and fry peanuts on slow -medium flame. When they are brownish, remove and set aside. Put sesame seeds in the same oil, and fry till they become light creamy, remove from kadai and keep with fried groundnuts. Now add both the dals and fry till the dals are slightly brown, remove and set aside. Now put red chillies, mustard seeds in the kadai, when you find that mustard just starts popping, add Fenugreek seeds .Don't let Fenugreek seeds become dark brown or black. It will take only few seconds for Fenugreek to become biscuit brown. Immediately add sliced Onion, Sliced Chillies and Curry leaves and fry till onions become translucent. Pour the tampering with onions etc on rice and mix thoroughly. Taste for salt at this stage. Set it aside for 30 minutes. Warm the rice before serving and Add fried Groundnuts, Fried Gingly seeds and mix everything slowly and thoroughly JUST BEFORE SERVING .You can decorate the rice with freshly sliced Green chilies and cilantro leaves . The peanuts and sesame seeds should be crisp and not soft. You have seen that this rice has no spices or asfoetida and yet this rice is very tasty. Try and taste for yourself.

Enjoy!!!!!