Cooking with Ghee 7 Traditional Indian Dishes That Taste Better

Introduction: The Magic of Ghee in Indian Cooking

Ghee has been a staple in Indian kitchens for centuries, adding depth, richness, and an unmistakable aroma to traditional recipes. Unlike regular butter or oil, ghee enhances the taste of dishes, brings out the natural flavors of spices, and offers numerous health benefits like improved digestion, stronger immunity, and better nutrient absorption.

If you’ve ever wondered how to cook with ghee or which dishes truly shine with its golden goodness, here are seven traditional Indian recipes that taste even better when cooked with ghee!

1. Dal Tadka (Tempered Lentils)

 Why Ghee? – The final ghee tadka (tempering) enhances the aroma and adds a buttery richness.

A simple bowl of dal (lentils) transforms into an irresistible dish when ghee is used for tempering. Traditionally, a mix of garlic, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and hing (asafoetida) is fried in hot ghee and poured over cooked lentils. This step releases deep, smoky flavors that give dal its signature earthy yet indulgent taste.

Pro Tip: Always add the ghee tadka at the end to retain its fresh aroma.

2. Aloo Paratha (Stuffed Potato Flatbread)

 Why Ghee? – Crisps up the paratha while keeping it soft inside.

Aloo paratha is a beloved North Indian breakfast stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes and roasted on a griddle. While oil can be used, ghee gives it a restaurant-style crispiness while keeping it flaky and flavorful. Plus, ghee adds a nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with homemade curd and pickles.

Pro Tip: Brush some melted ghee on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

3. Ghee Roast Chicken (South Indian Style)

 Why Ghee? – Intensifies the spice blend and makes the dish richer.

Straight from Mangalore, Ghee Roast Chicken is a fiery and tangy dish made with a blend of red chilies, tamarind, and roasted spices. Unlike other chicken curries, this dish is roasted in pure ghee instead of oil, allowing the flavors to mature beautifully while keeping the chicken succulent and juicy.

Pro Tip: Always use homemade ghee for the best results—it enhances the smoky spice blend.

4. Moong Dal Halwa (Lentil Dessert with Ghee & Nuts)

 Why Ghee? – Brings out the deep, caramelized flavors in the lentils.

No Indian festival is complete without a warm bowl of Moong Dal Halwa. Made by slow-roasting moong dal in ghee, this dish develops an irresistible nutty aroma and a silky texture. The key to its melt-in-the-mouth consistency is generous amounts of ghee, which caramelizes the dal and enhances the sweetness.

Pro Tip: Stir constantly while cooking to avoid lumps and get the perfect halwa consistency.

5. Baati (Rajasthan’s Famous Baked Dough Balls)

 Why Ghee? – Adds moisture and enhances the smoky, roasted taste.

Baati is a Rajasthani delicacy, best enjoyed with dal and churma. These hard wheat balls are traditionally baked over coal or in a tandoor, but what makes them truly special is that they are drenched in melted ghee before serving. The result? A crispy outer crust with a rich, buttery center.

Pro Tip: Don’t just brush the baati with ghee—fully dunk it in a bowl of ghee for an authentic taste!

6. Puran Poli (Sweet Flatbread with Lentil & Jaggery Filling)

 Why Ghee? – Balances the sweetness and makes the bread softer.

Puran Poli is a traditional Maharashtrian dessert-flatbread, made with chana dal (split Bengal gram), jaggery, cardamom, and nutmeg. The secret to its soft and pliable texture? Cooking it with ghee! The ghee not only enhances the sweetness but also prevents the filling from drying out.

Pro Tip: Always serve with a side of warm ghee for an extra indulgent experience.

7. Ghee Rice (Fragrant South Indian Rice Dish)

 Why Ghee? – Makes the rice extra fragrant and flavorful.

One of the simplest yet most flavorful rice dishes, Ghee Rice is a South Indian favorite made with aromatic basmati rice, whole spices, and cashews fried in ghee. Unlike plain steamed rice, this dish gets a rich, royal touch from ghee, making it the perfect accompaniment to curries or even as a standalone meal.

Pro Tip: Always toast the cashews and spices in ghee first before adding the rice for maximum flavor.

Why Cook with Ghee? The Benefits Beyond Taste!

Apart from making these traditional dishes more delicious, ghee has several health benefits: Boosts digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes

Rich in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) Improves immunity with antioxidants

Great for skin and hair due to essential fatty acids

Ideal for high-heat cooking as it has a high smoke point

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Cooking with Ghee!

Ghee is more than just an ingredient—it’s an experience. Whether you’re making a simple dal tadka or an indulgent halwa, ghee has the power to elevate every dish with its unmatched aroma, texture, and taste.

So, next time you’re cooking, swap out oil for ghee and see the difference for yourself! What’s your favorite dish to make with ghee? Drop a comment below!