Southern African Ghee Rice

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Indian Ghee Bhaat is transformed into a Southern African delight by incorporating the distinct flavors of the region. The original dish is enhanced with a blend of Southern African spices, such as peri-peri, paprika, and masala, to create a unique fusion of Indian and Southern African cuisines. The garnish of fried onions and fresh herbs adds a touch of freshness and texture, which is not typically found in the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Ghee bhaat, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) basmati rice 2 cups (400g) basmati rice
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ghee 1/4 cup (60ml) ghee
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves 2 cloves
• 2 cardamom pods 2 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon peri-peri powder 1 teaspoon peri-peri powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon masala powder 1 teaspoon masala powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 54g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown and crispy. Remove half of the fried onions and set aside for garnish.
3. 3.
   Add the cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cumin seeds to the pot. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the basmati rice to the pot and stir well to coat the rice with the ghee and spices.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the coriander powder, turmeric powder, peri-peri powder, paprika, masala powder, and salt. Add this spice mixture to the pot and stir to combine.
6. 6.
   Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
7. 7.
   Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam.
8. 8.
   Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with the reserved fried onions and fresh cilantro.
9. 9.
   Serve the Southern African Ghee Rice hot as a main dish or as a side to complement your favorite African-inspired meal.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch for fluffy and separate grains.
• Ghee — Use high-quality ghee for the authentic flavor, but it can be substituted with oil for a dairy-free version.
• Peri-peri powder — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Fresh cilantro — Chop the cilantro just before garnishing to retain its vibrant color and fresh taste.
• Masala powder — Use your preferred masala blend or a store-bought one for convenience.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, toast the whole spices (cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cumin seeds) in the ghee before adding the onions.
• Soak the basmati rice for 30 minutes before cooking to achieve longer and fluffier grains.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of peri-peri powder and paprika.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a tangy twist.
• Leftover Southern African Ghee Rice can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Sprinkle some water over the rice before reheating to restore moisture.

Serving advice

Serve the Southern African Ghee Rice as a main dish accompanied by a fresh salad or as a side dish to complement grilled meats or vegetable curries. It pairs well with dishes like South African Bobotie or Mozambican Piri Piri Chicken.

Presentation advice

Fluff the rice gently with a fork before transferring it to a serving dish to maintain its light and airy texture. Garnish with the reserved fried onions and fresh cilantro for an appealing visual contrast. Serve the dish in a vibrant African-inspired bowl or platter to enhance its presentation.