Kerala ghee rice with California walnuts is a recipe that as the name suggests is an exotic and aromatic amalgamation of rice, whole spices, walnuts, and ghee (clarified butter). In simple terms, it’s a pilaf/pulao that is fragrant with aromatic spices roasted in ghee to enhance their flavours. Originally known as Neychoru, this Kerala ghee rice and walnuts recipe has been borrowed from Kerala’s Malabar coast which is famously called ‘the garden of spices’. In Malabar cuisine, the flavours of each ingredient are delicately balanced with different spices imparting a unique palate to all the fare. Traditionally, Kerala ghee rice is an intricate part of all festive occasions and is served along with veg and non-veg curries. Jump directly to the recipe
The terrific feature of Kerala ghee rice with Calfornia walnuts recipe is that it is a breeze to prepare this instant one-pot dish and yet it tastes heavenly. All the pre-preparation you need for this easy Kerala ghee rice recipe is to gather the finest and freshest ingredients for the best results.
▲ Kerala ghee rice with California walnuts is a pulao fragrant with aromatic spices roasted in ghee to enhance their flavours. Originally known as Neychoru.
This simple ghee rice with walnuts recipe has easy-to-follow steps and can be prepared by even an amateur cook. The process starts with dry roasting California walnuts in a wok or kadhai and setting them aside upon being nicely toasted. Note here that you do need to be careful not to over-roast the walnuts thereby changing the flavour profile. The next step involves heating up the ghee, which is the star ingredient here and then tipping in the spices - cinnamon, cardamom and cloves followed by diced onions. Once the onions turn golden brown, the rice is the next ingredient to join in the process of ghee roast.
▲ Sauté whole spices and onion till golden brown then tip in soaked and drained rice.
The rice grains need to be stirred gently so as not to break the grains while the ghee coats each grain of rice. After adding raisins, the process of roasting the ingredients in ghee continues for 3-4 minutes until the rice turns white. Half the quantity of roasted California walnuts is added to the cook, followed by one litre of water along with salt to boil and cook the rice. The cooked rice is fluffed with a fork and left to rest for a while before being garnished and served.
▲ Toss the roasted walnuts onto the rice in the pan
Although the Kerala ghee rice recipe might look simple, there are important steps that cannot be omitted if you wish to experience a perfect Kerala ghee roast rice at home. Soaking the rice 15 minutes prior to using it in the cooking ensures hydration of the grains thus resulting in longer, fluffier and more aromatic rice. Using good quality ghee can alone ensure great taste and aroma as it is the carrier for the flavours of different amazing ingredients, therefore never compromise on the quality when making ghee roast rice.
▲ Stir after adding the water and then bring to a boil
Another factor to consider in this Kerala ghee rice with California walnuts recipe is ‘patience’. It is easy to give in to the rush sometimes and haste through the cooking, but that might result in either unevenly cooked rice or overcooked, sticky and broken grains of rice. Cooking this with the right ratio of water and rice is also an important factor not to be overlooked. Make sure to follow the instructions closely given in the recipe below for it to yield great results.
▲ Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and cook till the water is absorbed.
Kerala ghee rice with walnuts consists of some of the healthiest ingredients like walnuts, raisins, spices, ghee and rice. Ghee is naturally rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. It is also known to lower the glycemic index of the food it is eaten or cooked with and helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. It is a healthy fat that when eaten in moderation leads to a lot of health benefits according to Ayurveda.
▲ Use a fork to fluff the rice once the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
The combination of rice and ghee is known to promote digestion. This vegetarian, gluten-free Kerala ghee rice with walnuts recipe is healthy yet dense in calories. So, if you are in the mood for some healthy feasting then fix yourself this delish rice.
▲ Transfer ghee rice to a serving bowl and serve hot
Yummefy’s Kerala ghee rice with California walnuts recipe uses basmati rice for an aromatic, long grained and fluffy pulao. You may however make authentic neychoru with kaima rice which is small-grained aromatic rice used commonly in Kerala. The key is to use an aromatic variety of rice that absorb the flavours of spices and fluff up easily. It is better to avoid the sticky and high starch content variety of rice in this recipe.
▲ Kerala Ghee rice with California walnuts is our super-delicious version of the traditional Kerala ghee rice or Nei Choru
Kerala ghee rice tastes best with a garnish of fried onions and toasted California walnuts, as these add a nutty taste profile and crunchy notes to the dish. You can choose to eat the ghee rice on its own or with a vegetable stew, potato mappas, or even a light fish moilee. You can also choose to make a feast out of it by adding pomegranate and walnut salad, papad and garlic pickle.
If traditional rice recipes from different cuisines is your jam, then here are some recipes that will surely interest you – Puliyogare or Tamarind Rice, Nasi Goreng, Zarda Pulao, Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, and Mexican Rice. Or look at all our Rice recipes right here.
Do try the Kerala Ghee Rice with Walnuts recipe and let us know about your experience in the comments section.
Learn how to make delicious and easy Kerala Ghee rice with California walnuts at home with simple ingredients and a detailed easy-to-follow recipe video. This one-pot rice dish has a big fan following. Why not try it?
Serves: 4 to 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 32 minutes