Ney Choru | Nei Choru Complete Recipe + Ingredients List

What is Ney Choru | Nei Choru? – An introduction

Craving a dish that resonates with the rich tapestry of Indian culinary art? Ney Choru, or ghee rice, is the understated hero on the table, often forming the perfect base for extravagant curries. But the magic it brings with its subtle flavors and aromas is nothing short of exquisite. Let’s embark on creating this classic dish that feels like a warm hug, ideal for festivities or the humble family dinner. Here’s a spin on the traditional ney choru to enhance its nutritional value without compromising on the rich taste. Get ready to immerse yourself in the aroma of spices and ghee that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Ney Choru | Nei Choru Ingredients List

• 1 ½ cups rice ((Jeerakasala / kaima or basmati))
• 2 ½ cups water (hot (use more if using different rice))
• ¼ cup ghee ( (can reduce to 3 tbsps))
• ½ cup onions ( sliced for garnish)
• ¼ cup onions (sliced
• for rice)
• ¾ tsp ginger paste ( (for flavour))
• ¼ to ½ cup cashews
• ¼ cup raisins
• 1 star anise ( / biryani flower)
• ½ tsp saunf ( / fennel seeds)
• 1 bay leaf ( / tej patta)
• 4 cloves (/ laung)
• 2 inch cinnamon sticks
• Salt ( as needed)
• Green chilies ( slit (optional))

Ney Choru | Nei Choru Recipe

• Thoroughly rinse your choice of rice until the water runs clear. No soaking required for jeerakasala rice. Basmati rice lovers, soak it for about 30 mins, then drain it well.
• Create a smooth paste with ginger, and if you’re up for a kick, throw in some green chilies.
• Slide your onions under the knife until you have a pile of fine slices.
• Boil 2 ½ cups of water and keep it on standby, ready for action.
• In the trusty pan, warm up some ghee and playfully toss in cashews until they’re kissed by a golden hue. Add raisins, and watch them plump up before rescuing them to a separate plate.
• Using the residual ghee, caramelize the sliced onions to a golden-brown treasure and set them aside for the grand garnishing ceremony.
• Now, to instill the essence of flavors, sauté the spices in the same pan until their fragrances decide to grace the air.
• Quick dance with the golden onions next, followed by a brief encounter with the ginger (and chili) paste.
• Introduce the drained rice to the pan and allow them to lightly fry for 2 to 3 minutes—keeping the flame friendly and your stirring gentle to maintain rice dignity.
• Sprinkle in some salt and invite the hot water to join. A gentle stir, a quick taste, and perhaps a dash more salt, if your palate whispers so.
• Adjust the flame to a medium waltz, cover the pan, and cook until the water has discreetly slipped away, which should take 5 to 8 minutes depending on your cookware’s personality.
• Once the water has vanished, fluff up the rice, checking for doneness. If the rice performs an encore of crunchiness, drizzle a little water and cook briefly.
• Turn off the flame, but let the rice rest covered, meditating for another 5 minutes.
• For the final flourish, adorn your ney choru with the carefully reserved fried onions, cashews, and raisins.

Healthier Version of Ney Choru | Nei Choru Recipe

• Swap the white basmati for brown basmati rice and increase the cooking time as per the grain’s needs, providing a fiber-rich alternative.
• Replace ghee with a heart-healthy The OG Oil, such as The OG Olive Oil, to lower saturated fat content.
• Opt for almonds instead of cashews, as they offer similar crunchy texture but with better nutrient profile, including healthy fats.
• You can also try a mix of dried cranberries instead of raisins, which will give a tart contrast to the sweet flavors and pack in antioxidants.
• If sodium-intake is a consideration, opt for a low-sodium salt alternative or reduce the salt amount by half to keep the dish’s sodium content in check.

Ney Choru | Nei Choru Recipe Nutritional Facts

Ney Choru | Nei Choru is a Kerala dish with a calorie count of 585 kcal calories per serving. Per serving, it is estimated to have 91 g carbohydrates, 9 g proteins, 20 g fats, 23 mg sodium and 3 g sugar!

Tucking into a bowl of glistening ney choru is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor. The dish stands proud in its minimalism, and yet, does not shy away from making a bold statement alongside robust curries or as a standalone dish. The healthier version ensures that you’re not only indulging your taste buds but also looking after your well-being. It’s time to gather around the dinner table and let this dish work its comforting magic, proving that sometimes, the simplest things in life can bring the most joy.