Ghee Rice
Fragrant basmati rice cooked to fluffy perfection with whole spices and rich, nutty ghee. This South Indian classic, also known as Neychoru, is garnished with fried cashews and raisins for a touch of sweetness and crunch. A truly elegant and simple dish.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Basmati Rice
- b.Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch.
- c.Soak the rinsed rice in fresh water for at least 30 minutes. This helps the grains elongate and cook evenly.
- d.After soaking, drain the rice completely in a colander and set it aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Garnishes
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker over medium heat.
- c.Add the cashew nuts and fry for 1-2 minutes until they turn a light golden brown.
- d.Add the raisins and continue to fry for about 30 seconds until they plump up. Be careful not to burn them.
- e.Remove the fried cashews and raisins with a slotted spoon and set them aside for garnish.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Rice
- b.In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tbsp of ghee.
- c.Once hot, add the whole spices: cinnamon stick, cloves, green cardamom, bay leaf, and star anise. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until they release their aroma.
- d.Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and golden brown.
- e.Add the drained rice to the pot. Gently sauté for 2 minutes, ensuring the grains are well-coated with ghee. Be careful not to break the delicate rice grains.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Rice
- b.Pour in 3.5 cups of hot water and 1.5 tsp of salt. Stir gently just once to combine.
- c.Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- d.For Pot Method: Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
- e.For Pressure Cooker Method: Secure the lid and cook on medium heat for 2 whistles. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest, Garnish, and Serve
- b.Once cooked, let the rice rest, covered and undisturbed, for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for firm, separate grains.
- c.After resting, gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- d.Garnish with the fried cashews, raisins, and freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- e.Serve hot with your favorite curry, korma, or dal.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking the rice is a crucial step for long, fluffy, and separate grains. Don't skip it.
- 2Always use good quality, aged basmati rice for the best aroma and texture.
- 3Using hot water to cook the rice helps maintain the temperature and ensures even cooking.
- 4Do not open the lid while the rice is cooking, as this lets the steam escape and can result in undercooked rice.
- 5Resting the rice after cooking is just as important as the cooking itself. It allows the grains to absorb any remaining moisture and become firm.
- 6For an even richer flavor, you can use half water and half thin coconut milk for cooking the rice.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan Ghee Rice
Substitute ghee with an equal amount of coconut oil or a neutral-flavored vegetable oil for a completely vegan version.
Vegetable Ghee RiceVegetable Ghee Rice
Add 1/2 cup of mixed vegetables like peas, diced carrots, and green beans along with the onions to make it a more complete meal.
Spicy Ghee RiceSpicy Ghee Rice
For a hint of heat, add 2-3 slit green chilies along with the whole spices.
Nut Free VersionNut-Free Version
Simply omit the cashew nuts for a nut-free garnish. You can add some fried onions (birista) for a similar crunchy texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Quick Energy
The basmati rice is a rich source of carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel source, providing quick and sustained energy.
Source of Healthy Fats
Ghee is a source of healthy saturated fats and butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid that can support gut health and reduce inflammation.
Aids Digestion
The whole spices used, such as cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, are known in traditional medicine to have digestive properties that can help stimulate digestion and reduce bloating.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Ghee Rice (approximately 1.5 cups or 325g) contains around 450-500 calories, primarily from the rice and ghee.