Ghee Rice with Basmati Rice

Ingredients

Basmati rice

1.5 cups

Ghee

3 tablespoons

Onion, thinly sliced

1 large

Water

3 cups

Salt

1 teaspoon

Bay leaf

1

Cardamom pods

4

Cloves

4

Cinnamon stick

1 (2-inch piece)

Cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup

Raisins

1/4 cup

Cashews

1/4 cup

Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak the rice in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown, releasing their sweetness, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Gently fold the drained basmati rice into the pot, ensuring each grain is coated with the aromatic ghee. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
4. Pour in the water and add salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the water has been absorbed.
5. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become even fluffier. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
6. In a small pan, heat a teaspoon of ghee over medium heat. Add the cashews and raisins, frying until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This step adds a wonderful texture and flavor contrast to the rice.
7. Garnish the ghee rice with the fried cashews, raisins, and chopped cilantro before serving.