Ghee Rice Recipe: Easy One-Pot Nei Choru in 30 Minutes

Read time: 5 min | Category: Recipes

This ghee rice recipe turns four pantry staples into the most fragrant pot of rice on the table. Known as nei choru in Kerala and ghee bhat elsewhere, it is basmati cooked in good A2 desi cow ghee with whole spices, onions, and fried cashews. It comes together in about 30 minutes in one pot, and the only thing that really decides how good it tastes is the quality of your ghee.

Why This Ghee Rice Works

Plain rice is a blank canvas. What makes a ghee rice recipe special is the layering: the ghee carries the aroma of the cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves into every grain, while soaking and gently frying the rice keeps it fluffy and separate instead of sticky. Using a cultured A2 desi cow ghee gives a deeper, nuttier aroma than refined oil or commercial ghee, which is exactly the flavour this dish is built around.

Ingredients

Makes 3 to 4 servings

• 1.5 cups basmati rice (long-grain), rinsed and soaked 20 minutes
• 3 tablespoons Rulife A2 Desi Cow Ghee
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons cashews
• 1 tablespoon raisins (optional)
• 1 bay leaf, 3 green cardamoms, 1 inch cinnamon, 4 cloves, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 green chilli, slit (optional)
• 3 cups water
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander or mint to finish

How to Make Ghee Rice

1. Rinse the basmati until the water runs clear, then soak for 20 minutes and drain. This is the step that keeps the grains long and separate.
2. Heat 3 tablespoons ghee in a heavy pot. Fry the cashews and raisins until golden, then lift them out and set aside.
3. In the same ghee, add the bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and peppercorns. Let them sizzle for 30 seconds until aromatic.
4. Add the sliced onion and cook until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilli and cook for a minute.
5. Add the drained rice and toss gently for 2 minutes so each grain gets coated in ghee.
6. Pour in 3 cups water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cover, lower the heat, and simmer 12 to 15 minutes until the water is absorbed.
7. Turn off the heat and rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, fold in the fried cashews and raisins, and finish with coriander or mint.

Tips and Variations

• Soak, do not skip. Twenty minutes of soaking is the difference between fluffy and mushy rice.
• Get the ratio right. For most basmati, 1 cup rice to 2 cups water works in a pot. In a pressure cooker, drop to about 1.5 cups water and cook for 1 whistle.
• Use real ghee generously. This is a ghee-forward dish, so do not cut the ghee down too far or the flavour falls flat.
• Make it a meal. Ghee rice pairs beautifully with a dal. Try it with our dal tadka cooked in desi cow ghee.
• Add vegetables. A handful of peas or fried onions (birista) on top makes it feel festive.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

Ghee is a source of fat-soluble vitamins and gives this dish its satisfying richness, while basmati provides the carbohydrate base. Cooking rice with a little fat like ghee can also slow how quickly it is digested compared with plain boiled rice (Healthline). Keep portions sensible and pair it with protein and vegetables for a balanced plate. This article is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make ghee rice in a pressure cooker?

Yes. Follow the same steps in the cooker, but reduce the water to about 1.5 cups per cup of soaked rice and cook for 1 whistle on medium, then let the pressure release naturally.

Which rice is best for ghee rice?

Long-grain basmati is the classic choice for its aroma and separate grains. Jeera samba or seeraga samba rice is traditional in South Indian neychoru if you can find it.

What do you eat ghee rice with?

It goes with almost any curry, dal, raita, or korma. A simple dal and a bowl of yogurt make it a complete meal.

Can I use store-bought ghee instead of homemade?

Absolutely. A good cultured A2 cow ghee gives the best aroma. The fresher and more aromatic the ghee, the better the rice tastes.

Is ghee rice healthy?

In sensible portions, yes. It uses a wholesome fat and pairs well with protein and vegetables. As with any rice dish, watch the portion size if you are managing weight.

Make It with Rulife

👉 Rulife A2 Desi Cow Ghee - cultured, bilona-method ghee that gives this rice its aroma
Want to understand what makes A2 ghee different? Read A2 ghee vs A1 ghee.