Ghee rice is a popular dish in Indian cuisine that combines the richness of ghee with the subtle flavors of basmati rice. Traditionally, this dish is cooked on a stovetop, but did you know that you can also make ghee rice in a rice cooker? Yes, it’s true! Making ghee rice in a rice cooker is not only convenient but also guarantees a perfectly cooked and flavorful rice dish every time. In this article, we will take you through a simple and delicious recipe for making ghee rice in a rice cooker. So let’s get started!
Ingredients
To make ghee rice in a rice cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Basmati Rice: 2 cups
2. Ghee: 4 tablespoons
3. Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced
4. Cashew nuts: 1/4 cup
5. Raisins: 1/4 cup
6. Whole spices: 1 cinnamon stick, 2-3 cloves, 2-3 cardamom pods
7. Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
8. Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced
9. Green chilies: 2, slit
10. Water: 4 cups
11. Salt: to taste
12. Fresh coriander leaves: for garnishing
Method
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making ghee rice in a rice cooker:
Step 1: Washing the Rice
Start by washing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes any impurities and excess starch from the rice, resulting in fluffy grains when cooked. Drain the washed rice and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauteing the Onions, Cashews, and Raisins
Take your rice cooker and switch it on to the “saute” or “cook” mode. Heat ghee in the rice cooker’s inner pot and add the sliced onions. Saute the onions until they turn golden brown and caramelized. This process gives a rich and sweet flavor to the dish.
Step 2: Sauteing the Onions, Cashews, and Raisins
Take your rice cooker and switch it on to the “saute” or “cook” mode. Heat ghee in the rice cooker’s inner pot and add the sliced onions. Saute the onions until they turn golden brown and caramelized. This process gives a rich and sweet flavor to the dish.
Once the onions are caramelized, add cashew nuts and raisins to the pot. Stir them for a minute or two until the cashews become lightly golden and the raisins plump up. The combination of crunchy cashews and sweet raisins adds a delightful texture and taste to the ghee rice.
Step 3: Adding Aromatics and Spices
Now, add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chilies to the pot. Saute them for a minute until the raw smell disappears, and they release their aromatic flavors. Next, throw in the whole spices – cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. These spices infuse the ghee rice with a warm and earthy fragrance.
Step 4: Cooking the Rice
After sauteing the aromatics and spices, it’s time to add the washed basmati rice to the pot. Give it a gentle stir, ensuring that the rice is well-coated with the ghee and spices. Now, pour in the water and add salt according to your taste preferences. Stir everything together one last time.
Step 4: Cooking the Rice
After sauteing the aromatics and spices, it’s time to add the washed basmati rice to the pot. Give it a gentle stir, ensuring that the rice is well-coated with the ghee and spices. Now, pour in the water and add salt according to your taste preferences. Stir everything together one last time.
Cover the rice cooker with its lid and switch it to the “cook” mode. Let the rice cook undisturbed until it absorbs all the water and becomes tender. This process usually takes around 15-20 minutes, but cooking time may vary depending on your rice cooker’s settings.
Step 5: Fluffing and Garnishing
Once the rice is cooked, switch off the rice cooker and allow it to sit for a few minutes. This resting time helps the flavors in the rice to meld and the steam to distribute evenly. Remove the lid and fluff the ghee rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
To enhance the presentation and flavor of your ghee rice, garnish it with freshly chopped coriander leaves. The vibrant green color and mild citrusy taste of coriander provide a lovely contrast to the golden rice.
Serving Suggestions
Ghee rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various sides. Here are a few serving suggestions to complement your ghee rice:
1. Vegetable Kurma: Serve your ghee rice with a side of aromatic and mildly-spiced vegetable kurma. The combination of the creamy curry and fragrant rice is simply divine.
2. Chicken or Lamb Curry: Ghee rice pairs exceptionally well with rich and flavorful chicken or lamb curries. The tender meat, combined with the fragrant rice, creates a hearty and satisfying meal.
3. Raita: Accompany your ghee rice with a refreshing bowl of cucumber or mixed vegetable raita. The cool yogurt-based dip complements the warm and aromatic flavors of the rice.
4. Papadums: Add some crunch to your meal by serving papadums – thin and crispy lentil wafers – alongside your ghee rice. They provide a delightful textural contrast.
Conclusion
Making ghee rice in a rice cooker is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delectable dish. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that will impress your family and guests. So, the next time you crave a taste of Indian cuisine, give this recipe a try, and savor the irresistible flavors of ghee rice made in a rice cooker!