Ghee Rice
Infused with rich flavors and aromatic spices, Ghee Rice is a simple yet elegant South Indian rice dish that transforms everyday basmati rice into a fragrant and buttery delight. This recipe features a heavenly combination of golden caramelized onions, whole spices like green cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and star anise, and the luxurious richness of ghee (clarified butter). Topped with crunchy fried cashews, sweet raisins, and vibrant herbs like cilantro and mint, this dish is as visually stunning as it is flavorful. Perfect as a stand-alone meal or an accompaniment to your favorite curries or raitas, Ghee Rice is quick to prepare in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or festive celebrations. Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or just looking to elevate your rice game, this recipe will surely become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 4 cups Water
- 3 tablespoons Ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 large Onion, thinly sliced
- 4 pieces Green cardamom pods
- 4 pieces Cloves
- 1 piece (2-inch) Cinnamon stick
- 1 piece Bay leaf
- 1 piece Star anise
- 10 pieces Cashew nuts
- 10 pieces Raisins
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, minced
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Coriander leaves (cilantro), chopped
- 2 tablespoons Mint leaves, chopped
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in fresh water for 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Add the cashew nuts and fry until they turn golden brown. Remove the cashews and set aside.
In the same pan, add the raisins. Fry until they puff up and become golden. Remove and set aside with the cashews.
In the remaining ghee, add the sliced onions. Fry them on medium heat until golden brown and caramelized. Remove half the fried onions and set aside for garnishing.
Add the remaining ghee to the pan, followed by the green cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and star anise. Stir for a few seconds until aromatic.
Add the minced ginger and sauté for 1 minute.
Add the drained basmati rice to the pan and gently stir for 1-2 minutes to coat it with the ghee and spices.
Pour in the water and add salt. Stir gently to combine.
Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Add the fried cashews, raisins, chopped coriander leaves, and mint leaves. Mix gently to combine.
Transfer the ghee rice to a serving dish and garnish with the reserved fried onions.
Serve warm as a stand-alone dish or pair with curries, raita, or any side of your choice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1086 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.4 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.5 g | 142% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 109 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 3701 mg | 161% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 136.0 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.7 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.6 g | ||
| Protein | 20.1 g | 40% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 268 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 10.8 mg | 60% | |
| Potassium | 716 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
