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Ghee Rice Pulao Recipe | Neychoru Recipe | Veg Pulav Recipe | Nei Choru | Kunal Kapur Rice Recipes

Chef Kunal Kapur Rice & Biryani 40 Mins 4 Servings 3.1M views Feb 27, 2021
Neychoru or Kerala Style Ghee rice is a very rich Pulao recipe that is absolutely tasty. You can make it in a pressure cooker at home or in a pan. Ghee rice is a traditional south Indian pulao recipe that uses jeerakasala rice or jeerai rice but can be made using basmati rice or even sela rice. This rice recipe is a traditional recipe and uses dry fruits and raisins cooked together with ghee. You can eat this simple pulao recipe with any vegetable curry or just serve it hot with curd. I love to eat my punjabi style rajma with Ghee Rice and it tastes yummy. If you love jeera pulao or vegetable pulao, you would love to cook this easy Indian recipe.

Ingredients & Measurements

Carefully curated and proportioned for authentic flavor balance. Adjust chillies and salt to your personal taste.

  • Main recipe vegetables / proteins
  • Whole and ground spices (Cumin, Turmeric, Coriander, Chilli)
  • Ginger, garlic, green chillies and fresh onions
  • Mustard oil, ghee, or neutral cooking fat
  • Fresh coriander and roasted kasoori methi for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. 1
    Ingredient Preparation: Wash, prep, and accurately measure all fresh ingredients, aromatics, and spice blends as listed in the ingredients section.
  2. 2
    Sautéing & Blooming Spices: Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium flame. Add whole spices and aromatics (ginger, garlic, green chillies) to bloom their essential oils until fragrant.
  3. 3
    Building the Flavor Base: Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent or golden brown. Stir in tomatoes and ground spices (turmeric, coriander, chilli powder), cooking on medium-low heat until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
  4. 4
    Simmering to Perfection: Incorporate the primary ingredients (vegetables, paneer, lentils, or proteins) and simmer gently with warm water or broth until tender and deeply infused with flavor.
  5. 5
    Finishing & Garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt, sprinkle freshly crushed roasted kasoori methi and garam masala, and garnish generously with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve piping hot with roti, paratha, or fragrant basmati rice.

Chef Kunal's Pro Secret Tip

Always soak long-grain aged Basmati rice for at least 30 minutes in cold water before parboiling. Parboil the rice to exactly 70-80% doneness (grain should break when pressed with slight resistance) before layering for the final 'Dum' steaming.

Recipe FAQs & Expert Advice

How long can I store leftover Ghee Rice Pulao Recipe?

You can store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When reheating, warm on medium-low heat on the stovetop and add 2–3 tablespoons of warm water if the gravy has thickened in the fridge.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute dairy ghee/butter with mustard oil or neutral cooking oil, and replace milk/curd with coconut milk or cashew cream where applicable.

What is the key technique to get restaurant-style flavor in this dish?

Focus on blooming whole spices in hot oil first, patiently sautéing the onion-tomato masala until oil separates, and finishing with a pinch of crushed roasted kasoori methi and freshly ground garam masala right before serving.