Lemon rice (Pulihora, Elumichai sadam, Chitranna)
Also called: lemon rice, pulihora, elumichai sadam, chitranna, limbu bhaat, limbu sadam, pulihora rice, lemon rice south
Lemon rice is that lovely tangy South Indian comfort food you’ll find in lunchboxes, temple prasad, and quick tiffin meals. The rice gets a bright nimbu kick from lemon, with crunchy peanuts, mustard tadka, and a little chilli heat making every bite feel simple but super satisfying.
Per 1 plate (180g)
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per plate (180g) | Per 100g |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 317.3 kcal | 176.3 kcal |
| Protein | 7.7g | 4.3g |
| Carbohydrates | 38.9g | 21.6g |
| Fat | 14.2g | 7.9g |
| Fiber | 4.5g | 2.5g |
| Sugar | 1.4g | 0.8g |
What Goes Into It
Per serving (1 plate)
gastroenterology Gut Health Insight
Lemon rice is easy on the tummy for many people because it uses cooked rice, not a heavy gravy, and the lemon adds a fresh acidity that can make the meal feel lighter. The peanuts bring a bit of fiber and healthy fat, while mustard seeds, turmeric, and red chilli add digestive-friendly spices that can help stimulate appetite. That said, one plate has 14.2 g fat mainly from the oil and peanuts, so it can feel heavy if the oil goes overboard. A good trick is to keep the tempering crisp but light and add a spoon of curd or a side of cucumber for a calmer, more balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lemon rice healthy for everyday lunch?
Yes, it can fit well in everyday lunch, especially if it is made with moderate oil. One plate gives about 317.3 kcal, 7.7 g protein, 38.9 g carbs, and 4.5 g fiber, so it is filling but not too heavy.
How many calories are in 1 plate of lemon rice?
1 plate of lemon rice (180 g) has about 317.3 kcal. Most of the calories come from rice, oil, and peanuts.
Can diabetics eat lemon rice?
Diabetics can eat it in a controlled portion, but the 38.9 g carbs per plate can raise blood sugar if the serving is large. It is better paired with curd, salad, or sambar, and not eaten as a very big solo meal.
Is lemon rice good for weight loss?
It can work for weight loss if the portion is small and the oil is kept in check. The 4.5 g fiber and 7.7 g protein help a bit with fullness, but 14.2 g fat per plate means it is not the lightest rice dish if made generously.
From the Shellel Blog
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download Get Shellel FreeNutrition data sourced from ICMR-NIN Indian Food Composition Tables (IFCT) and the Indian Nutrient Database (INDB 2024). Values are per standard serving and may vary with preparation method.