How to make Ghee Rice – Recipe

Life Style

April 1, 2025

How to make Ghee Rice – Recipe

Ghee rice is a fragrant and delicious Indian dish made with a blend of basmati rice, ghee (clarified butter), and aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Known for its rich, comforting flavor, it is often served with curries, dulse, and raita during celebrations and family meals.

Ghee rice is easy to prepare and the rich flavor of ghee and spices makes it a versatile and popular dish in Indian cuisine.

Introduction to Ghee Rice

Ghee rice is a popular and delicious dish that holds a special place in Indian cuisine. It is a simple yet aromatic rice dish made with a blend of basmati rice, ghee (clarified butter), and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves.

The rich flavour of ghee enhances the aroma of the rice, making it a heart-warming dish that can be enjoyed alone or paired with a variety of curries, dals and raitas. This dish is often made for celebrations, religious ceremonies and family gatherings, but its ease of preparation and delicious taste have also made it a staple in everyday meals.

Ghee rice is prized for its delicate flavour, where the mild sweetness of ghee and the warmth of spices create a perfectly balanced dish.

source: Ruchkin Randhap

Whether served as a side dish or a main dish, ghee rice combines the deliciousness of ghee with the rich texture of basmati rice for a comforting and flavour some dish. Its versatility, simplicity and rich flavour have made it a popular dish in many parts of India and abroad.

Overview: Ghee rice is a simple yet delicious Indian dish made with basmati rice, ghee (clarified butter) and a blend of spices. It is often served as a side dish to curries and sauces or as a standalone dish. Ghee gives the rice a rich flavour, enhancing not only the flavour but also the aroma of the spices used.

Ghee rice is often made for celebrations, special meals or as a comforting addition to everyday meals.

Onions: Thinly sliced onions are fried until golden brown to add sweetness and crunch. Cashews and raisins: Fried in ghee, they can be added for extra richness, sweetness and texture. Fresh coriander: Chopped coriander leaves are used as a garnish to add a fresh, herby flavour.

Cooking process

Rinse the rice: Always wash the rice thoroughly before cooking. Removing excess starch helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky and maintains its fluffy texture. Soaking the rice for 15-20 minutes helps the rice cook evenly, shortens cooking time and improves the final texture.

Cooking spices: Heat ghee in a frying pan and add whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and bay leaves. The key is to heat the ghee just enough to bring out the flavor of the spices but not let it burn. Once you can smell it, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Fry the onions: Add the onions and fry until golden brown for extra flavor. Brown onions add a slight caramel-like sweetness that balances the rich flavor of the ghee.

Add the rice: After adding the rice, gently toss it in the ghee and spices. This step coats the rice with the ghee and adds flavor. Lightly toasting the rice in ghee helps the rice stay separate after cooking and gives it a less sticky texture.

Cook the rice: Once the rice and ghee are mixed, add water (or stock) and start cooking the rice. It’s important to maintain the right water-to-rice ratio (usually 2:1) so the rice cooks perfectly without becoming mushy. Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and simmer so the rice can absorb all the flavors.

Elevation the rice: Once cooked, let the rice relax for a few minutes. This step allows the flavors to settle and makes the rice fluffier when you fluff it with a fork.

Variations

Vegetable Ghee Rice: Add mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, beans) to the rice while it is cooking to make it colorful and nutritious. Spicy Ghee Rice: Add green chillies, ginger and garlic paste or red chilli powder for extra heat. Nuts and Dry Fruits: In addition to cashews, add almonds, pistachios and fried raisins to make it richer and more textured. Recommended Ways to Serve:

With Curry: Ghee rice goes well with rich and spicy curries like chicken curry, mutton curry and dal, as well as vegetarian dishes like paneer butter masala and mixed vegetable curry. With Raita: A cold raita (a yogurt-based side dish) enhances the warmth and richness of ghee rice.

Cucumber raita, boondi raita or onion and tomato raita are good choices. As a standalone dish: Ghee rice can also be enjoyed alone with papad or pickle, especially paired with a simple meal or dal. Nutritional benefits:

Ghee: Provides healthy fats, vitamins A and E, aids digestion. Is a source of butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid that has a positive effect on gut health. Basmati rice: Though rice is primarily a source of carbohydrates, basmati rice has a lower glycemic index compared to other varieties of rice, helping provide sustained energy.

Cultural Significance:

Ghee and rice is a popular dish in many parts of India, especially in South India and coastal regions. It is often made during festivals, religious ceremonies and weddings. The use of ghee and spices gives the dish a special flavour, making it a heart-warming meal that will get you in the festive mood.

Ghee and rice is a versatile and delicious dish that combines simplicity with the richness of Indian flavours. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or as part of your everyday meals, it is sure to bring a warm and comforting aroma to your kitchen.

FAQs

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