Ghee Rice (Ney choru ) Malabar style ghee rice

Ney choru  - Malabar style Ghee Rice

   Rice is a staple food in southern parts of India and is eaten in daily basis. You can find numerous varieties of rice preparation in south India .One such preparation very famous in northern parts of Kerala is  Ghee rice or as said "Ney Choru " in Malyalam . A the name can tell that in this rice preparation generous amount of ghee/clarified butter is used along with whole spices .Malabar region is famous for its whole spices and coffee .The use of ghee and whole spices in this rice dish gives it a rich flavor and is very fragrant .It  usually goes well with spicy non vegetarian dishes such as mutton or chicken curry . I served mine with  seekh kabab handi .

Ingredients

 Basmati Rice/Jeera Rice  - 2 Cups
 Ghee - 3Tbs
 Onions Medium   - 2 Sliced
 Cinnamon Stick    - 2 1 " stick
 Green  Cardamom             - 4
 Bay leaves              -2
 Pepper corns  - 5-8 Crushed
 Cloves           -  3-4
 Cashew nuts – 8-10
 Raisins – 1/4 cup
 Water –4Cups
 Salt – To taste

Directions

• Wash and soak the rice for 3o minutes,drain the rice and keep it aside.
• Heat 2Tbs of ghee in a  pan and fry one sliced onions until golden brown, drain and keep in absorbent paper.
• In the same pan , fry cashews and raisins one by one take out of the ghee and keep aside. 
• Now add the remaining  ghee to the pan. Add all the whole spices Sauté until fragrant.
• Add the remaining one sliced onion and stir-fry till translucent .
• Now add rice and salt and mix gently and sauté  for few minutes in medium heat, till the rice turns a bit translucent keep stirring in between.
• Pour water ,When the water starts boiling ,lower the flame cover the pan with the a lid and let it cook until all the water is absorbed and rice is cooked. Close off the flame and let it stand for few minutes
• Garnish with fried onions, cashew nuts and raisins.
• Serve hot with your choice of side dish.
• Enjoy!!!!

Notes
  A special short grained rice called jeera rice is generally used for this dish but basmati ricecan also be used.
Fried onions and nuts are a must in this recipe which gives this a unique flavor.