Ghee Rice: An Indian Delicacy

Ingredients

Cilantro

¼ cup, finely chopped

Raisins

2 tablespoons

Cashews

2 tablespoons, chopped

Salt

1 teaspoon, or to taste

Water

2 cups

Bay leaf

1

Cardamom pods

4

Cloves

4

Cinnamon stick

1

Onion

1 medium, finely sliced

Ghee

2 tablespoons

Basmati rice

1 cup

Instructions

1. Begin by rinsing the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
2. Heat the ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Sauté the mixture until the onion turns a delightful golden brown color.
3. Add the drained rice to the pan and stir gently for 2-3 minutes, ensuring that each grain of rice is beautifully coated with the ghee and spices.
4. Pour in the water and add salt. Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The rice should be fully cooked and all the water absorbed.
5. While the rice is cooking, heat a small pan over medium heat. Add the cashews and raisins, and sauté until the cashews take on a golden hue and the raisins start to plump up.
6. After the rice is done, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Afterwards, fluff the rice gently with a fork.
7. To serve, garnish the ghee rice with the golden cashews, plump raisins, and freshly chopped cilantro. Enjoy this dish hot as a standalone main course or pair it with your favorite Indian curry or gravy for a complete meal.