Mavinakayi Chitranna / Varalu Chitranna/ Mango Rice

A traditional mixed rice made with raw mango – Varalu Chitranna. “Varalu” in kannada means mortar and pestle. “Chitranna” is a kannada term for rice mixed with some kind of seasoning. Since the masala was ground using a stone mortar and pestle back in the days, the term “Varalu” is attached to the dish name. This mango rice tastes heavenly and aromatic with the addition of methi seeds. During festivals or sometimes even on busy days my mom makes these kinds of mixed rice varieties as one pot meal. During my childhood, mango was a seasonal product, so we got to enjoy this rice only during the mango season. Now it is easy to make this anytime as frozen raw mangoes are available year round.

Ingredients

rice 1 cup
oil 8 tsp
mustard seeds 1/2 tsp
urddhal 1 tsp
channa dal 1 tsp cup
peanuts 1/4 cup

for masala
frozen raw mango 1 cup or 8 oz
red chili 5-6
coriander seeds/dhaniya 1 tbsp
methi seeds/fenugreek seeds 1 tsp
mustard seeds 1 tsp
fresh coconut 1/4 cup
oil 1 tsp
hing a pinch

Method

Cook rice and set it aside.
Roast all the ingredients “for masala” in 1 tsp oil.
Let cool and grind into coarse mixture without adding water.
In a wide pan heat 8 tsp oil, mustard seeds, urddal, channa dal and peanuts.
Cook till they are slightly brown, then add coarsely ground masala mixture, turmeric powder and turn off the stove.
Now mix in the cooked rice and adjust the salt as per taste.
Note: if the raw mango is not very tangy, you can add lil bit lemon juice to balance out the flavors.

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