Ghee rice, also known as Nechoru, is a delicious and rich dish often prepared during festivals and special occasions. The abundant use of ghee enhances its flavor, making it a comforting and aromatic meal. Paired with vegetable kurma and South Indian papad, it makes for a perfect lunch dish that is not only delightful but also gluten-free.
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup (soaked in water for 20 minutes) |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Green Chilies | 2, chopped |
| Ginger-Garlic Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Fennel Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay Leaf | 1 |
| Star Anise | 1 |
| Cloves | 3 |
| Cardamom | 2, crushed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cashews | 4, broken into pieces |
| Raisins | 2 |
| Apricot | 1, chopped |
| Water | 1 1/4 cups (or as needed) |
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Instructions:
-
Preparing the Ingredients:
Begin by heating ghee in a pressure cooker. Once the ghee is hot, add cashews, raisins, and apricot pieces. Sauté for about 30 seconds and then remove them to set aside. -
Cooking the Onion:
In the same cooker, add chopped onions and sauté them until they turn brown. Once browned, set the onions aside. -
Adding Spices:
In the same cooker, add another tablespoon of ghee. Now, add fennel seeds, bay leaf, star anise, cloves, and crushed cardamom. Sauté for about 15 seconds to release their aroma. -
Cooking Green Chilies & Onion:
Add the chopped green chilies to the spices and let them cook for about a minute. Then, add the reserved browned onions and sauté them until they turn golden. -
Adding Ginger-Garlic Paste:
Add the ginger-garlic paste and let it cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Cooking the Rice:
Add the soaked rice to the cooker, mixing it well with the spices. Sauté for another 2 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the flavors. -
Simmering the Rice:
Pour in the water, add salt to taste, and return the ghee to the cooker. Mix everything together, cover the cooker, and let the rice cook on low heat until done (about 15-20 minutes). Turn off the gas once the rice is fully cooked. -
Serving:
Serve the ghee rice hot with vegetable kurma and crispy South Indian papad. This fragrant and flavorful dish is perfect for a satisfying lunch.
Enjoy your delicious and aromatic ghee rice, a dish that blends tradition with flavors for an unforgettable meal!
