• In a pan , add 8-10 red chillies , 1 Tbsp Coriander seeds and dry roast until there is a pungent smell.
• Add Cumin seeds and roast on low heat , till it starts to splutter.
• Turn off the heat , allow it to cool.
• In a small mixer jar /blender , add fresh grated coconut ,garlic , above roasted spices , turmeric powder , cinnamon and cloves.
• Blend to a coarse paste without adding water.
• Whilst , cut open citron lime , squeeze to release juice. Pass juice through mesh filter and discard seeds and set juice aside.

To prepare Masala Paste / Gojju

• Heat 4 Tbsp of sesame oil in a pan.
• Add 1/2 Tsp mustard seeds , allow it to crackle.
• Add 1 Tbsp of Chana dal , 2 Tbsp of urad dal and 1 sprig curry leaves.
• Saute till it dal turns golden in colour , add asafoetida
• Now add in sliced onions and saute till it turns translucent.
• Add the above blend masala , mix well.
• Cook for 6-8 minutes till masala blends well with onions and starts to release oil at corners.
• Add 1 1/2 Tsp of salt and mix well.
• Add citron lime juice and cook for 4-5 minutes on low heat.
• Turn off the heat , Heralekai Gojju / Citron Lime Masala paste is ready . Once it is cool , store it in a dry glass jar.

To prepare Hereralekai alekai Chitranna

• Take 1 cup cooked rice on a plate.
• Add 2-3 Tbsp of Heralekai Gojju / Heralekai Masala Paste to cooked rice.
• Add 1/2 Tbsp of hot oil
• Mix rice well with gojju using hands.
• Add 1/2 tsp of salt mix well ,taste and adjust it by adding more gojju or salt , if required.
• Heralekai Chitranna is ready to serve.