Ghee rice

This is the most common and simple rice recipe we can find in most of the celebrations. Ghee rice as the name says, is prepared using Ghee, which gives it a rich taste. Ghee along with whole spices makes this rice so flavorful and it goes well with any gravy. It is kid friendly too, as it is not hot and spicy.

Ingredients required:

• Basmati rice - 1 cup
• Water - 1 1/2 cups
• Peas - 1/2 cup (optional)
• Green chillies - 2, slit
• Ghee - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Cashew nuts - 5 to 6, broken

Whole spices:

• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon stick - 1 inch piece
• Cloves - 2
• Cardamom - 2
• Bay leaves - 2
• Pepper corns -5 to 6
• Fennel seeds - 8 to 10
• Star anise - 1 piece
• Stone flower - 1 small piece

Method:

• Wash the basmati rice and soak it for half an hour.
• Heat a non stick pan. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of ghee to it.
  
• When the ghee is little hot, add the "whole spices" and fry for a minute. 
  
• Add the peas and fry for a minute.
  
• Add salt and saute for 2 more minutes.
• Drain water from the soaked rice and add it to the pan.
  
• Saute for a minute and add water. 
• Let it come to a boil. Check the salt.
  
• Add 1/2 tablespoon of ghee and chopped coriander leaves.
• Close the lid and cook for 5 minutes in high flame.
• After 5 minutes, reduce the flame to the lowest and cook until the rice is done.This may take around 15 minutes to cook.
• Heat a teaspoon of ghee in a small pan, and add cashew nuts. Roast until golden brown.
• Garnish the Ghee rice  with cashew nuts and it is now ready to serve .
  

Tip: Adding ghee before closing the lid helps in the rice grains not sticking together.

Note:

1.  If the rice is not yet cooked and looks dry, sprinkle a tablespoon of water and cook for a few more minutes. Repeat the step if the rice is not cooked yet.
2. Do not add more water at once as the rice will turn mushy.
3. Cashew nuts can be initially fried along with the whole spices.