Dhaba Style Spicy Ghee Rice: A Flavorful Indian Rice Dish
If you’re craving a taste of authentic Indian cuisine, look no further than Dhaba Style Spicy Ghee Rice. This aromatic rice dish is a popular comfort food often served at dhabas (roadside eateries) across India. Infused with the flavors of whole spices and ghee, this recipe is a perfect balance of richness and warmth. Whether you’re serving it alongside a curry or enjoying it on its own, this fragrant rice is sure to impress.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice (washed and soaked for 20 minutes) | 1 cup |
| Ghee | 3 tablespoons |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 1 pod |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 pieces |
| Star anise | 1 piece |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | ½ inch piece |
| Green Chilli | 1, slit |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Black Peppercorns | 4 whole |
| Salt | To taste |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 piece |
| Water | 2 cups |
Preparation Time
| Time | 5 minutes |
Cooking Time
| Time | 15 minutes |
Total Time
| Time | 20 minutes |
Servings
| Servings | 2 |
Cuisine
| Cuisine | Indian |
Course
| Course | Main Course |
Diet
| Diet | Vegetarian |
Instructions
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Heat the ghee: Begin by heating 3 tablespoons of ghee in a pressure cooker over medium heat. The ghee adds a rich and fragrant flavor that makes this dish stand out.
-
Add whole spices: Once the ghee is hot, add the whole spices—2 teaspoons of cumin seeds, 1 cardamom pod, 2 cloves, 1 star anise, and ½ inch cinnamon stick. Stir for a few seconds to release their aromas. Follow with 4 whole black peppercorns, 1 sprig of curry leaves, and the slit green chili. Allow these spices to sizzle and infuse the ghee with their flavors.
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Add rice: After the spices have bloomed, add the washed and soaked rice to the cooker. Stir gently to coat the rice with the ghee and spices.
-
Add water and salt: Pour in 1-1/2 cups of water and add salt to taste. Stir everything together to ensure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid.
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Pressure cook: Cover the pressure cooker with its lid and cook the rice on medium heat for 3 to 4 whistles. Once the whistles are done, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. This helps the rice cook fully in the residual steam.
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Rest and fluff the rice: After the pressure has been released, let the rice rest in the cooker for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and the rice to firm up slightly. After 10 minutes, open the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
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Serve: Your Dhaba Style Spicy Ghee Rice is ready to be served! This rice is incredibly fragrant and pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes like Tandoori Paneer Tikka Masala, Smoked Dal Makhani, and Tadka Raita for a truly complete meal experience.
Tips for the Perfect Dhaba Style Ghee Rice
- Soaking the rice: Soaking the rice for 20 minutes before cooking helps achieve long, fluffy grains that won’t stick together. It also ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the spices.
- Whole spices: The magic of this dish lies in the whole spices, so don’t skip them! Each spice adds its unique flavor to the ghee, making the rice aromatic and flavorful.
- Adjusting heat: If you prefer your rice a bit spicier, you can add more green chilies or even a pinch of red chili powder to the ghee.
Serve it with…
- Tandoori Paneer Tikka Masala: Marinated paneer cubes grilled to perfection in a tandoor, served in a creamy, spiced masala sauce.
- Smoked Dal Makhani: A rich, slow-cooked lentil dish with a smoky flavor and a creamy finish, making it a perfect match for ghee rice.
- Tadka Raita (Spiced Curd with Onions): A cooling yogurt-based side with onions, spices, and herbs, which complements the heat of the ghee rice beautifully.
This Dhaba Style Spicy Ghee Rice recipe is a wonderful way to bring the authentic flavors of India to your home. The rich ghee and aromatic whole spices elevate the simple rice to something extraordinary, making it a delightful dish for any meal. Enjoy the warmth, aroma, and the nostalgic taste of Indian roadside eateries with this easy-to-make recipe!
