Cooking With Ghee: 7 Unique Regional Dishes Across India

Ghee, a staple ingredient in Indian kitchens, is renowned not only for its rich flavor but also for its numerous health benefits. From enhancing the aroma of dishes to providing essential nutrients, ghee plays a vital role in Indian cooking. This blog explores 7 unique regional dishes across India that are elevated by the addition of pure ghee.

Let’s take a flavorful journey across India, celebrating its diverse culinary heritage with ghee!

1. Dal Baati Churma – Rajasthan

This iconic dish from the royal state of Rajasthan consists of three components:

• Dal: A flavorful mix of lentils such as toor, chana, and moong dal, tempered with a blend of spices and finished with a generous dollop of ghee for that luxurious taste.
• Baati: Hard, round wheat rolls baked or grilled over a flame. The baatis are traditionally served soaked in melted ghee, ensuring every bite is rich and indulgent.
• Churma: A sweet dish made from crushed baatis mixed with jaggery or sugar and enriched with ghee.

Together, these three elements create a harmonious medley of flavors and textures. Why Ghee? Ghee enhances the earthy flavors of the lentils, adds moisture to the baati, and brings out the sweetness in churma.

2. Hyderabadi Haleem – Telangana

A hallmark of Hyderabadi cuisine, Haleem is a slow-cooked delicacy made with wheat, lentils, and meat (usually mutton). This dish is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Ghee plays an integral role in this dish:

• The spices are sautéed in ghee, which helps release their full aroma and flavor.
• The addition of ghee while slow-cooking creates a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Haleem is particularly popular during Ramadan and is best enjoyed with fried onions, fresh coriander, and a squeeze of lime. Why Ghee? It balances the intensity of the spices and gives the dish a luxurious feel.

3. Kerala Parippu Curry – Kerala

Parippu Curry is a simple yet flavorful lentil dish served as part of the traditional Kerala Sadya (feast). It is made using moong dal cooked with coconut milk and spiced with curry leaves, green chilies, and turmeric.

• Once the curry is ready, it’s finished with a generous drizzle of ghee, which is poured over steamed rice just before serving.

This humble dish transforms into something extraordinary with the addition of pure ghee. Why Ghee? It enriches the creamy coconut flavors and provides a nutty aroma that complements the dish perfectly.

4. Kolkata Ghee Rice – West Bengal

Aromatic and flavorful, Kolkata Ghee Rice is a simple yet indulgent preparation where basmati rice is cooked with whole spices like bay leaves, cloves, and cinnamon. The process:

• The rice is sautéed in ghee before adding water, ensuring every grain absorbs the buttery richness.
• Ghee also serves as the base for tempering fried onions and nuts, which are used as garnishes.

Often paired with spicy curries like kosha mangsho (slow-cooked mutton curry), ghee rice is a crowd-pleaser. Why Ghee? It enhances the rice’s aroma and ensures each grain is flavorful and non-sticky.

5. Ghee Roast – Karnataka

Chicken Ghee Roast, originating from the coastal town of Kundapur in Karnataka, is a fiery and flavorful dish that has earned a loyal following. The preparation includes:

• Marinating chicken in a blend of yogurt, red chilies, and spices.
• Roasting the marinated chicken in generous amounts of ghee until it is perfectly cooked and coated with a thick, spicy masala.

This dish is often served with neer dosa (rice crepes) or steamed rice. Why Ghee? It intensifies the bold flavors of the masala while adding richness to the dish.

6. Puran Poli – Maharashtra

A festive flatbread, Puran Poli is made with a sweet filling of cooked lentils and jaggery. The preparation process involves:

• Rolling out a soft dough made from wheat flour.
• Stuffing it with the sweetened lentil mixture and cooking it on a hot griddle with ghee.

Served with a drizzle of warm ghee, Puran Poli is a staple during festivals like Holi and Ganesh Chaturthi. Why Ghee? It keeps the flatbread soft and enhances the sweetness of the jaggery filling.

7. Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Ki Roti – Punjab

A winter favorite in Punjab, this dish is a combination of sarson ka saag (mustard greens cooked with spices) and makki ki roti (cornflour flatbread).

• The saag is tempered with ghee, which elevates the flavor of the greens.
• Makki ki roti is served hot off the griddle with a generous dollop of ghee on top.

This meal is traditionally accompanied by jaggery and a glass of lassi. Why Ghee? It enhances the saag’s flavors while preventing the roti from drying out.

Why Ghee Is the Perfect Cooking Companion

1. Enhances Flavor: Ghee intensifies the taste and aroma of spices and other ingredients.
2. High Smoke Point: Ghee’s high smoke point makes it ideal for frying and sautéing without burning.
3. Nutritional Benefits: Ghee is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with healthy fats that promote digestion and immunity.
4. Cultural Connection: Cooking with ghee preserves the authenticity of traditional Indian recipes.

FAQs About Cooking With Ghee

1. Can I substitute ghee for oil in cooking?
Yes, ghee can be used as a substitute for oil in most recipes. It provides better flavor and nutritional value.

2. Is ghee suitable for vegan diets?
No, ghee is not vegan as it is derived from animal milk. However, it is vegetarian and a popular choice in Indian cooking.

3. What is the difference between ghee and butter?
Ghee is clarified butter with the milk solids removed. It has a higher smoke point and a nuttier flavor compared to butter.

4. Is ghee healthy for daily cooking?
Yes, when consumed in moderation, ghee is healthy due to its rich nutritional profile and ability to improve digestion.

5. Which type of ghee is best for Indian cooking?
Organic and grass-fed ghee, like Shahji Ghee, is ideal for Indian cooking as it ensures purity and authenticity.

Conclusion

From the deserts of Rajasthan to the backwaters of Kerala, ghee is a beloved ingredient that enhances the flavors of India’s regional dishes. Its versatility, rich taste, and health benefits make it a staple in every Indian kitchen. Whether you’re cooking dal baati or chicken ghee roast, using premium-quality ghee like Shahji Ghee ensures a truly authentic culinary experience.