Onam Special: Ghee Rice

WE WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY ONAM 2013!!

Rajani & Ilse

This is no doubt one of the exotic rice dishes that brings out the quality of the home made Ghee and the Basmati rice, King or Queen of the rice.
I have hardly had anyone say no to Ghee Rice, even though its very rich in ghee (clarified butter)
A rice dish that is made for occassions like a festival or a birthday, using only ghee. 16 September is Onam 2013 and
this dish fits perfectly in the Onam lunch or dinner.

When I prepare this dish my entire neighbourhood would get the aroma of the ghee, the basmati rice and the whole spices & I have often got remarks like: "woman what are you cooking we get so hungry!"
Yes, that's exactly what this rice dish will do to you as it brings out its exotic qualities .....
Try this out, it takes no time and you will LOVE it....


Ingredients:

1 cup Basmati rice
2 cups of hot water
Juice of half a lemon
3 cardamom pods
4 cloves
2 sticks of cinnamon
A pinch of Saffron soaked in a tab. sp. of hot water
A handful of cashewnuts
Half a handful of raisins
2 to 3 tab. spoons of Ghee
1 tsp. salt
A heavy pan ( i use the cast iron / Dutch oven)
A cotton/ woolen quilt

Method:
Wash & soak rice in cold water for half an hour and drain this well in a colander.This rice needs to feel and look dry.

In the mean while heat a heavy pan and add the ghee.As the ghee begins to melt on a medium flame add the cashewnuts and as it turns light brown add the raisins, the whole spices(cardamom,clove & cinnamon) & then the rice.

Using a wooden spoon gently stir the rice making sure every coral is coated in ghee and let the rice get fried on a medium flame for 3 to 5 minutes stirring just a few times.

Then add the hot water, saffron water, lemon juice and the salt .Again gently stir the rice and turn the flame to high and let it cook/ boil for 5 minutes.

Afer the rice has been boiling for 5 minutes on a high flame lower the flame, give it a final stir ,clover the pan with its lid and immediately place it on a quilt and pack it well allowing no part of the pan exposed and place a heavy object on top.

See how well the rice is cooked ..all in a quilt......the whole process took less than 10 to 12 minutes.

Done! that's it ...Can it get any easier?
Remember your rice is being further cooked so do not open until it's time to

serve.

Tips:

• Rice remains hot for hours if u follow this and remember you are using less electricity or gas....
• If you have a large wooden box you can line this box with an old blanket and place the rice inside this box.
• When I make boiled rice I use this method. Even after 4 to 6 hours I am able to serve HOT rice.
• Buy a cast iron / Dutch oven vessel specially to make rice items. They are expensive but they are life long pans!.
• Don't your neighbour give you a good smile passing by......smelling the aroma of Ghee Rice you have just made?
• Please leave a message if you tried it!