> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://thefoodiekitchen.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Ghee Rice — South Indian Nei Choru - URL: https://thefoodiekitchen.net/ghee-rice-nei-choru/ - Published: 2026-09-10T09:03:35.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-12T07:42:46.000Z - Description: Ghee rice (nei choru) — South Indian fragrant basmati rice cooked in ghee with whole spices and cashews. Seed oil free. - Author: Savannah Ryan - Tags: Indian Recipes, MAHA Recipes Nei choru (ghee rice) is the South Indian version of pilaf — basmati rice cooked in ghee with whole aromatic spices and finished with fried cashews. Nei means ghee in Malayalam and Tamil; the name tells you the most important thing about this dish. It is a side that accompanies meat curries, biryanis, and dal, and it is one of those preparations where the fat IS the recipe. ## Ghee Rice Recipe Serves 4 Prep 5 min Cook 25 min ### Ingredients - 2 cups (400g) aged basmati rice - 3 tbsp ghee - 50g cashews - 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed - 4 whole cloves - 1 cinnamon stick - 1 bay leaf - 1 tsp cumin seeds - 1 large onion, thinly sliced - 3.5 cups water - 1 tsp sea salt - Fresh mint leaves and additional fried onions to serve ### Method 1. Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain. 2. Heat the ghee in a heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Add the cashews and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden. Remove and drain on paper towel. 3. In the same ghee, add the cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, and cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant. 4. Add the sliced onion. Cook for 8 minutes until golden and slightly caramelised. 5. Add the drained rice. Stir for 2 minutes to coat every grain in the spiced ghee. 6. Add the water and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to the absolute lowest heat. Cover tightly and cook for 12 minutes. 7. Remove from heat. Keep covered and rest for 5 minutes. 8. Fluff gently with a fork. Remove the whole spices if desired. Top with fried cashews and fresh mint. Frequently Asked Questions Is ghee rice seed oil free? Yes. Ghee is the only fat in this recipe. Can I use regular long-grain rice? Aged basmati is strongly preferred — its low moisture content and specific starch structure makes individual grains stay separate when cooked in ghee. Long-grain rice will work but will be stickier. Why soak the rice? Soaking for 30 minutes hydrates the outer starch layer, which allows the rice to cook faster and more evenly without the outside overcooking before the inside is done. Shop on The Foodie Kitchen - [Seed oil free pantry — every fat, every brand](https://thefoodiekitchen.net/seed-oil-free-pantry-staples-amazon/) - [All 25 cookbooks by Savannah Ryan](https://thefoodiekitchen.net/cookbooks/) Savannah Ryan · Cookbook Savor Indian Ghee rice, biryani, dal, korma — South Indian and North Indian recipes in ghee. [Get on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSM61XQX?tag=thefoodieki0f-20&ref=thefoodiekitchen.net) --- Follow Savannah: [@theefoodiekitchen](https://www.instagram.com/theefoodiekitchen/?ref=thefoodiekitchen.net) · [All Links](https://linktr.ee/theefoodiekitchen?ref=thefoodiekitchen.net)