Dinner-worthy traditional rice delights from South India

It is impossible to imagine a traditional Indian dinner without a piping hot plate of rice paired with dal, sabzi or any curry. However, with a growing inclination towards health and fitness, people are now moving away from traditional treats to stay healthy and fit and reduce their calorie intake, but what if we tell you that there are certain traditional South Indian delicacies that are not just delicious but also make for a healthy option for a light dinner when consumed in the right proportions? Well, here are some simple, delicious and healthy South Indian rice recipes that truly deserve a try!


Lemon Rice
A light, tangy, and refreshing dish, Lemon Rice, also called Chitranna in Kannada, is a perfect choice for a quick and delicious meal. Cooked rice is tossed with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, peanuts, and green chilies, and then flavored with fresh lemon juice. It’s simple yet flavorful, with a zesty kick from the lemon, making it an ideal option for a hearty dinner.


Tamarind Rice
Tamarind Rice, or Puliyodarai, is a tangy, spicy rice dish with a distinctive flavor from tamarind paste and roasted spices. It is made with cooked rice mixed with a spicy tamarind-based paste, which includes ingredients like dried red chilies, peanuts, and mustard seeds.

Ven Pongal
Ven Pongal also known as Khara Pongal is a popular choice for a light, comforting dinner meal. This South Indian dish is prepared with rice and moong dal, cooked together to form a perfect creamy, savory porridge-like texture. This rice dish is made with black pepper, ginger, cumin seeds, and curry leaves, making it aromatic and mildly spiced. Moreover, it tastes best when served with coconut chutney and sambar.



Sambar Rice
Sambar Rice is made by combining rice with the sambar, which is a classic spicy, tangy lentil-based dish made with tamarind and a melange of vegetables, and spices. The rice is mixed directly into the sambar and cooked together. This one-pot meal is hearty, nutritious, and goes well with papad.