Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a simple and delicious dish to make in your rice cooker, then ghee rice is the perfect choice. Ghee rice is a popular Indian dish that is made with basmati rice, ghee (clarified butter), and a variety of aromatic spices. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish to accompany a variety of curries and gravies.
Using a rice cooker to make ghee rice is incredibly easy and convenient. It allows you to achieve perfectly cooked rice with minimal effort. Plus, the rice cooker ensures that the rice is evenly cooked and fluffy, with each grain separate and aromatic.
To start, rinse 1 cup of basmati rice until the water runs clear. This will remove any excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky. Next, soak the rice in water for 30 minutes. This step is important to ensure that the rice cooks evenly and becomes fluffy.
While the rice is soaking, you can prepare the spices and other ingredients. In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Add in 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cloves, 2 cardamom pods, and 1 bay leaf. Sauté the spices for a minute or until they become fragrant.
Once the spices are fragrant, add in 1 diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Next, add in 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute. Finally, add in the soaked and drained rice, along with 1.5 cups of water and salt to taste. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Transfer the mixture to the rice cooker and set it to cook. Depending on your rice cooker, it may take 20-30 minutes for the rice to cook completely. Once the rice cooker switches to the ‘keep warm’ mode, let the rice sit for another 5 minutes to allow it to steam and become even fluffier.
After the 5 minutes, open the rice cooker and fluff the rice using a fork. Your delicious ghee rice is now ready to be served! Garnish with some fried onions and chopped coriander leaves for an added burst of flavor and aroma.
So why wait? Grab your rice cooker and give this simple yet flavorful ghee rice recipe a try. It’s sure to impress your family and friends with its delightful taste and fluffy texture. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking Ghee Rice in Rice Cooker
Ghee rice is a delicious and aromatic rice dish that is perfect for special occasions or as a main dish. It is made by cooking basmati rice in ghee, along with spices and sometimes vegetables and meat. While traditionally ghee rice is cooked on a stovetop, it can also be made using a rice cooker. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook ghee rice in a rice cooker.
Ingredients:
Before you start, make sure you have the following ingredients:
| 1 cup basmati rice | 2 cups water |
| 2 tablespoons ghee | 1 onion, thinly sliced |
| 2 green chillies, slit | 1 inch ginger, grated |
| 2 cloves | 2 cardamom pods |
| 1 cinnamon stick | 1 bay leaf |
| 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder | Salt to taste |
| Coriander leaves for garnish | Fried onions for garnish |
Instructions:
- Wash the basmati rice thoroughly in water and soak it for 30 minutes. Drain the water and set the rice aside.
- Turn on the rice cooker and switch it to the “Cook” mode. Add ghee to the rice cooker and allow it to melt.
- Add the sliced onions to the rice cooker and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the slit green chillies, grated ginger, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf to the rice cooker. Sauté for a minute until the spices release their aroma.
- Add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the rice cooker. Sauté for a couple of minutes to coat the rice grains with ghee and spices.
- Now, add 2 cups of water, turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Give everything a gentle stir.
- Cover the rice cooker with its lid and let the rice cook until it is fluffy and fully cooked. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Garnish the ghee rice with coriander leaves and fried onions for added flavor and presentation.
- Your delicious ghee rice is now ready to be served. Enjoy it hot with raita, curry, or any side dish of your choice!
With these simple steps, you can easily cook ghee rice in a rice cooker and enjoy a flavorful and aromatic rice dish at home. It is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal.
Section 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking ghee rice in a rice cooker, you must first gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
- 2 cups of basmati rice
- 4 cups of water
- 4 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 2 cardamom pods
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon of chopped mint leaves
- Salt to taste
Make sure you have all the ingredients measured and ready to use before you start cooking. This will help save time and ensure a smoother cooking process.
Section 2: Cooking the Rice
1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
2. Drain the rice and transfer it to the rice cooker. Add 2 cups of water for every cup of rice used.
Optional: Soaking the rice
If you prefer softer rice, you can soak the basmati rice for 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the rice cook evenly and yield a fluffier texture.
Optional: Adding spices
If you want to add some extra flavor to your ghee rice, you can add whole spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom pods to the rice cooker before cooking. This will infuse the rice with a delightful aroma and taste.
3. Close the lid of the rice cooker and select the “Cook” or “White Rice” setting. Let the rice cook according to the instructions of your rice cooker. Usually, it takes around 15-20 minutes for the rice to cook completely.
4. Once the rice is cooked, let it sit in the rice cooker for about 5 minutes before opening the lid. This will allow the steam to settle and the rice to further fluff up.
5. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains evenly. Your ghee rice is now ready to be served!
Section 3: Adding Ghee and Flavorings
Once the rice is cooked and the water has been absorbed, it’s time to add the ghee and flavorings to enhance the taste of your ghee rice.
3.1 Adding Ghee
Ghee is clarified butter and it adds a rich and nutty flavor to the rice. In a small pan, melt 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat.
Once the ghee has melted, pour it over the cooked rice in the rice cooker. Use a spoon or spatula to gently mix the rice and ghee together, making sure all the rice grains are coated evenly.
3.2 Adding Flavorings
There are various flavorings you can add to ghee rice to give it a delicious aroma and taste. Here are a few options:
- Cashew nuts: Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pan and fry a handful of cashew nuts until golden brown. Sprinkle the fried cashews over the rice to add a crunchy texture.
- Raisins: In the same pan, add a handful of raisins and cook them until they plump up. Garnish the rice with the cooked raisins to add a sweet and chewy element.
- Whole spices: You can add whole spices like cloves, cinnamon sticks, and cardamom pods to the ghee while it melts. These spices will infuse their flavors into the rice as it cooks.
- Onions: Heat some ghee in a pan and sauté thinly sliced onions until they are golden brown and caramelized. Mix the caramelized onions into the rice for added depth of flavor.
Experiment with different combinations of flavorings to find your favorite ghee rice recipe. Remember to adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences.
Once you’ve added the ghee and flavorings, let the rice sit in the rice cooker for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade ghee rice!
Section 4: Serving and Enjoying
Once the ghee rice is cooked to perfection in your rice cooker, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Follow the steps below:
- Using a fork, fluff the rice gently to separate the grains and release any trapped steam.
- If desired, garnish the ghee rice with some chopped cilantro or mint leaves for added freshness and flavor.
- Transfer the ghee rice to a serving bowl or platter.
- For a complete meal, pair the ghee rice with your choice of protein such as chicken, beef, or fish. You can also serve it with vegetarian options such as lentils or chickpeas.
- Enjoy the ghee rice hot and fresh with your favorite curry or side dish.
Remember to adjust the seasoning and add salt if needed, as the rice may require additional salt depending on your preference. The ghee rice pairs well with a variety of Indian curries, spicy or mild, and can be customized to suit your taste buds.
| Tips for Serving and Enjoying Ghee Rice |
|---|
| 1. Pair the ghee rice with raita, a yogurt-based side dish, for a creamy and cooling contrast. |
| 2. Add some roasted cashews or fried onions on top for an extra crunchy texture. |
| 3. Serve the ghee rice as a side dish alongside other Indian favorites like butter chicken or vegetable biryani. |
| 4. Experiment with different spices and herbs to give the ghee rice a unique twist. |
| 5. For a healthier option, use brown or basmati rice instead of regular white rice. |
Now that you know how to cook ghee rice in a rice cooker and serve it perfectly, you can impress your family and friends with this delightful dish. Enjoy!
FAQ
What is ghee rice?
Ghee rice is a popular Indian rice dish cooked with ghee (clarified butter) and aromatic spices.
Can you cook ghee rice in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can cook ghee rice in a rice cooker. It is a convenient and easy way to make this delicious dish.
