Best Easy Ghee Rice Recipe

Ghee Rice is a flavorful Indian rice dish with aromatic spices and a distinct regional character. This vegetarian preparation is a versatile family side dish that pairs well with curries and raita.

Cook 35 min Difficulty EASY 310 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Basmati rice 1 cup
  • Water 2 cups
  • Ghee 3 tbsp
  • Cashew nuts 2 tbsp
  • Raisins 2 tbsp
  • Yellow onion 0.5 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Cinnamon stick 1 pieces
  • Cloves 4 pieces
  • Green cardamom pods 4 pieces
  • Bay leaf 1 pieces
  • Salt 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 49 g 63%
Protein 5 g 6%
Fat 10 g 31%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak in water for 20 minutes, then drain thoroughly.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, and bay leaf. Sauté the spices gently for 1 minute until aromatic, stirring to avoid burning.

  3. 3

    Add sliced onions to the pan and cook on medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown but not crisp.

  4. 4

    Stir in the soaked, drained rice and gently toast with the onions and spices for 2 minutes, making sure rice grains are coated evenly in ghee.

  5. 5

    Pour in 2 cups water and add salt. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat, then reduce to very low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and rice is tender.

  6. 6

    While the rice steams, heat the remaining 1 tbsp ghee in a small skillet over low heat. Fry cashew nuts until lightly golden, then stir in raisins for 20 seconds until plumped. Remove from heat.

  7. 7

    Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 more minutes. Fluff gently with a fork. Top with the fried cashews and raisins before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Ghee Rice recipe?
The defining ingredient in this dish is ghee, which gives Ghee Rice its signature aroma and rich flavor. Alongside basmati rice, whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom infuse the rice with their fragrance, resulting in a subtly spiced, buttery side that's classic to Indian cuisine.
Q. How can I ensure the rice has a fluffy texture and doesn't turn mushy?
To achieve fluffy Ghee Rice, rinse and soak basmati rice as directed and ensure it's well drained before cooking. Toasting the rice gently in ghee with spices coats each grain, helping them remain separate. Simmer on low with a tight-fitting lid, avoid stirring during cooking, and let it rest after turning off the heat for best results.
Q. What are the key points regarding heat and timing while cooking?
Sauté spices over gentle heat to release their aroma without burning. When boiling, switch to very low heat once water is added, cover, and let the rice steam undisturbed. Allowing the cooked rice to rest for 5 minutes before fluffing improves the final texture.
Q. How many calories are in one serving, and what is the main nutrition profile?
Each 180g serving of this Ghee Rice recipe contains approximately 310 kcal, with about 49g of carbohydrates (63% of total calories), 5g of protein (6%), and 10g of fat (31%). This nutrition balance reflects its nature as a flavorful rice-based side, suitable for a vegetarian diet.
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