Ghee Bhaat with Fragrant Spices

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) basmati rice 1 cup (200g) basmati rice
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 2 tablespoons ghee 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed 2 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 0g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. 2.
   In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the rinsed rice. Cook the rice until it is 70% done, then drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a separate large pan, heat the ghee over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Add the cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf to the pan. Sauté for a minute until the spices release their aroma.
5. 5.
   Add the partially cooked rice to the pan and gently mix it with the spices and ghee.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice cook for another 10-15 minutes until it is fully cooked and fluffy.
7. 7.
   Remove the pan from heat and let the rice rest for a few minutes.
8. 8.
   Fluff the rice with a fork, remove the whole spices if desired, and season with salt to taste.
9. 9.
   Serve the Ghee Bhaat hot as a main dish or as a side to complement other Indian delicacies.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains.
• Ghee — Use high-quality ghee for the best flavor and aroma. If unavailable, clarified butter can be used as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, toast the whole spices in the ghee before adding the rice.
• Soaking the rice for 30 minutes before cooking can result in fluffier grains.
• For a variation, you can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the dish.
• Adjust the amount of ghee according to your preference for richness.
• Leftover Ghee Bhaat can be transformed into delicious fried rice by stir-frying it with vegetables and soy sauce.

Serving advice

Ghee Bhaat can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with various Indian curries, dals, or raita. It is traditionally served with a side of papadums or pickles to add a contrasting crunch and tanginess to the meal.

Presentation advice

To present Ghee Bhaat beautifully, fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves or toasted almonds for an elegant touch. Serve it in individual bowls or as a mound on a large plate, allowing the golden grains to take center stage.