Ghee Rice Recipe | Simple and Tasty Dish for Any Occasion

Ghee rice is a fragrant, flavourful dish that is a staple in many South Indian households. Whether you’re planning a quick lunch, a festive celebration, or a family dinner, ghee rice can be your go-to option.

This dish stands out for its rich aroma, buttery texture, and the subtle blend of spices that perfectly complement any side dish, be it vegetarian or non-vegetarian.

From kids to adults, everyone loves its rich and mild flavour. It’s also a favourite for festive occasions like weddings, birthdays, and festivals, often served alongside spicy curries, dals, or raitas.

In this blog, you’ll learn how to prepare a traditional ghee rice recipe, explore its variations, and get tips to make it perfectly every time.

Let’s start by understanding what ghee rice is and why it’s such a beloved dish in Indian cuisine.

What is Ghee Rice and Why is it So Popular?

Ghee rice is a traditional Indian dish known for its simplicity and rich flavour. At its core, it’s a preparation of rice cooked with ghee, whole spices, and garnished with fried onions, cashews, and raisins.

While it’s widely popular in South India, especially in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, it’s loved across the country for its versatile taste and aroma.

The dish’s popularity can be attributed to its unique qualities:

• Rich in Flavour: The use of ghee enhances the dish with a buttery, nutty flavour, making it incredibly appetizing.
• Minimal Ingredients: Ghee rice doesn’t require elaborate ingredients. Simple pantry staples like rice, ghee, and whole spices can create a satisfying dish.
• Pairing with Curries: Ghee rice pairs beautifully with spicy curries like chicken curry, vegetable kurma, or even a simple dal, making it a great choice for any meal.

Another reason for its popularity is its cultural significance. In South India, ghee rice is often served at weddings, festivals, and special occasions.

Its mild taste makes it appealing to people of all ages, and its luxurious appearance adds a celebratory touch to any table.

Ingredients Needed for a Traditional Ghee Rice

To make a traditional ghee rice recipe, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that are readily available in most Indian kitchens. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients with specifications:

Main Ingredients

1. Basmati Rice (1 cup): Use long-grain basmati rice for the best texture and aroma. Soaking the rice for 20–30 minutes before cooking helps achieve perfectly fluffy grains.
2. Ghee (3 tablespoons): High-quality homemade or store-bought ghee is essential for achieving the authentic flavour of the dish.
3. Water (2 cups): The ratio of water to rice is crucial for properly cooked rice. Adjust as needed depending on the rice variety.
4. Salt (to taste): Seasoning balances the dish, so be cautious not to under or over-salt.

Whole Spices for Tempering

1. Bay Leaf (1): Adds a subtle earthy aroma.
2. Cloves (3–4): Imparts warmth and spice to the dish.
3. Cinnamon Stick (1 small piece): Gives a sweet, woody flavour.
4. Green Cardamoms (2–3): Enhances the fragrance of the rice.
5. Cumin Seeds (½ teaspoon): Adds nuttiness and flavour.

For Garnishing

1. Cashews (8–10): Fry until golden for a crunchy garnish.
2. Raisins (8–10): Lightly fried raisins provide a sweet contrast to the savoury rice.
3. Fried Onions (½ cup): Thinly sliced onions, deep-fried until golden and crisp, enhance the taste and texture.

These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not only rich and aromatic but also visually appealing. Now, let’s explore the step-by-step preparation of ghee rice.

How Do You Make Ghee Rice?

Making ghee rice recipe at home is straightforward and doesn’t require much expertise in cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious dish.

1. Preparing the Rice

• Wash 1 cup of basmati rice thoroughly under running water to remove excess starch. This step prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
• Soak the rice in water for 20–30 minutes, then drain and set it aside.

2. Frying the Garnishes

• Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a deep pan or pot over medium heat.
• Fry 8–10 cashews until golden brown, remove them, and set aside.
• Add 8–10 raisins to the same ghee and fry until they puff up. Set them aside with the cashews.
• Optionally, fry thinly sliced onions until crisp and golden for garnishing.

3. Tempering and Cooking the Rice

• In the same pan, add 1 more tablespoon of ghee if needed, then add the whole spices: 1 bay leaf, 3–4 cloves, 1 small cinnamon stick, 2–3 green cardamoms, and ½ teaspoon cumin seeds. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
• Add the drained basmati rice to the pan and gently stir to coat the rice with ghee and spices. This step ensures every grain is infused with flavour.
• Pour 2 cups of water, add salt to taste, and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.

4. Garnishing and Serving

• Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork to avoid breaking the grains.
• Top the rice with the fried cashews, raisins, and onions. Serve hot with a side dish of your choice.

With this method, you can prepare perfectly fluffy and aromatic ghee rice every time. For more tips, keep reading to discover how to make variations of this dish and avoid common mistakes.

What Are Some Popular Variations of Ghee Rice?

Ghee rice is a versatile dish, and you can customize it in several ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some popular variations:

1. Coconut Milk Ghee Rice: Replace water with coconut milk for a richer, creamier flavour. This variation is popular in Kerala cuisine.
2. Jeera (Cumin) Ghee Rice: Add a generous amount of cumin seeds to the tempering step for a nutty and aromatic twist.
3. South Indian Ghee Rice with Curry Leaves: Add fresh curry leaves during tempering to give the dish a South Indian flair.
4. Vegetable Ghee Rice: Include diced vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans for a wholesome meal.
5. Spicy Ghee Rice: Add finely chopped green chillies and a pinch of red chilli powder to make the dish spicy and flavourful.
6. Mushroom Ghee Rice: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the spices for a delicious vegetarian variation.

These variations not only enhance the flavour of the dish but also make it suitable for different occasions and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions for Ghee Rice

Ghee rice is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Whether you prefer vegetarian or non-vegetarian accompaniments, there are plenty of options to complement its mild and buttery flavour.

Vegetarian Pairings

• Dal Tadka or Dal Fry: The creamy and spiced lentils balance the simplicity of ghee rice.
• Vegetable Kurma: A coconut-based gravy with mixed vegetables adds richness to the meal.
• Paneer Butter Masala: This creamy and tangy paneer curry elevates the dish to a festive level.

Non-Vegetarian Pairings

• Chicken Curry: A spicy South Indian-style chicken curry enhances the mild flavours of ghee rice.
• Mutton Rogan Josh: The richness of slow-cooked mutton pairs wonderfully with the buttery rice.
• Egg Curry: Hard-boiled eggs simmered in a tomato-based curry create a hearty and satisfying combination.

Raita and Pickle

A simple cucumber or boondi raita with a side of pickle can also be a delightful addition, especially if you’re looking for a lighter pairing.

For garnishing, don’t skip the fried onions, cashews, and raisins they add texture, sweetness, and crunch that make ghee rice truly special.

Conclusion

Ghee rice is a simple yet luxurious dish that has stood the test of time in Indian cuisine.

Its buttery aroma, fluffy grains, and subtle spices make it an excellent choice for everyday meals and festive occasions alike.

By following this step-by-step anytime or breakfast recipe and incorporating tips from this guide, you can master the art of making ghee rice.

Whether you enjoy it as is or explore the variations, this versatile dish is sure to delight your taste buds.