Cooking with ghee: delicious Indian recipes to try

Indian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and aromatic spices, and ghee is an essential ingredient in many traditional Indian dishes. Ghee, is a versatile cooking fat that adds richness and depth to curries, rice dishes, and breads. 

In this article, we will explore some delicious Indian recipes to try with ghee.

Ghee Rice

Ghee rice is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that is commonly served at Indian weddings and special occasions. 

To make ghee rice, start by rinsing 1 cup of basmati rice and soaking it in cold water for 20 minutes. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee and add 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cloves, and 2 cardamom pods. When the spices start to sizzle, add 1 sliced onion and sauté until it turns golden brown. Drain the rice and add it to the pan, stirring to coat it in the ghee and spices. Add 2 cups of water, season with salt to taste, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve.

Ghee Chicken Curry

Chicken curry is a staple of Indian cuisine, and ghee adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. To make ghee chicken curry, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a pan and add 1 sliced onion, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent. Add 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and stir to combine. Add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and stir to coat in the spice mixture. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of water, and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with ghee rice.

Ghee Naan Bread

Naan bread is a popular Indian flatbread that is perfect for sopping up curry sauce. To make ghee naan bread, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of instant yeast in a bowl. Add 3/4 cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of ghee, and stir to form a dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Divide the dough into 8-10 pieces and roll each one into a circle. Brush the naan with ghee and cook in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are puffed and golden brown. Serve hot.

In conclusion, ghee is a versatile and delicious cooking fat that adds richness and flavor to a wide range of Indian dishes. Whether you’re making rice, curry, or bread, ghee is a must-have ingredient for any home cook looking to explore the flavors of Indian cuisine.