Indian cuisine has always celebrated the richness and aroma of desi ghee. Whether it’s traditional Indian flavors, Ayurvedic cooking, or modern healthy meal prep, pure Desi ghee continues to be a staple in Indian kitchens for its taste and nutritional benefits. If you are looking for easy Indian recipes to elevate your daily meals, then cooking with desi ghee is the simplest way to add authenticity and wholesome goodness to your plate.
Here are 5 delicious, beginner-friendly Indian recipes using desi ghee that you can prepare even on busy weekdays.
1. Desi Ghee Dal Tadka
Nothing defines comfort in Indian home cooking like a warm bowl of dal tadka, infused with the aroma of pure ghee.
Ingredients
- 1 cup toor dal (or moong dal)
- 3 cups water
- 1 chopped tomato
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp desi ghee
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 3–4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 dry red chili
- A pinch of hing
- Fresh coriander leaves
How to Make
- Rinse the dal and pressure cook with turmeric, tomato, and water until soft.
- Whisk the cooked dal until smooth.
- Heat desi ghee in a tadka pan, add cumin seeds, garlic, chili, and hing.
- Pour the sizzling tadka into the dal and garnish with coriander.
Why it’s great:
Ghee enhances the flavor of dal, aids digestion, and makes this dish a perfect healthy Indian dinner option.
2. Desi Ghee Jeera Rice
When you need something quick, fragrant, and fulfilling, jeera rice cooked in pure ghee becomes a go-to recipe. It pairs with almost every Indian curry and turns everyday meals into a restaurant-style platter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp desi ghee
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
How to Make
- Wash rice and soak for 15 minutes.
- Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin and bay leaf.
- When aromatic, add soaked rice and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add water and salt. Cover and cook on low heat.
Tip:
Cooking rice in grass-fed ghee adds a nutty aroma and helps keep the grains separate and fluffy.
3. Desi Ghee Veg Khichdi
If you need a light, nutritious, and comforting meal, khichdi is one of the easiest Indian recipes ever. The addition of ghee boosts its Ayurvedic benefits, making it good for digestion and immunity.
Ingredients
- ½ cup rice
- ½ cup moong dal
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 green chili
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp desi ghee
How to Make
- Wash rice and dal thoroughly.
- Heat ghee in a pressure cooker and add cumin and green chili.
- Add veggies, turmeric, rice, dal, and salt.
- Pour 3 cups water and cook for 3–4 whistles.
Why it’s healthy:
This ghee khichdi is excellent for detox, gut health, and easy digestion—ideal for kids and adults.
4. Ghee-Roasted Aloo Fry
Potatoes cooked in ghee bring out the most comforting taste of Indian home-style cooking. This recipe is crispy, aromatic, and perfect as a side dish with dal-rice or roti.
Ingredients
- 3 medium potatoes, cubed
- 2 tbsp desi ghee
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- Curry leaves
How to Make
- Heat ghee in a pan and add mustard seeds and curry leaves.
- Add potato cubes and sauté on medium heat.
- Sprinkle haldi, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
- Cover and cook until potatoes are crispy outside and soft inside.
Flavor note:
Ghee gives potatoes a smoky, roasted flavor that vegetable oil cannot match.
5. Desi Ghee Paratha (Any Filling)
Whether it’s aloo paratha, paneer paratha, or plain paratha, brushing it with hot ghee takes it to the next level. This is one of the simplest ways to incorporate ghee into everyday Indian breakfasts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups wheat flour
- Water for kneading
- Salt to taste
- Desi ghee for cooking
How to Make
- Knead the dough with flour, salt, and water.
- Roll out parathas and cook on a hot tawa.
- Brush with generous desi ghee while flipping.
- Serve with curd, pickle, or chutney.
Why it works:
Ghee improves nutrient absorption, making parathas more wholesome and filling—perfect for a long day.
Health Benefits of Cooking with Pure Desi Ghee
Using desi ghee in everyday recipes isn’t just about taste; it offers numerous benefits:
- Supports digestion (as per Ayurvedic principles)
- Rich in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
- Provides healthy omega-3 fatty acids
- Enhances flavor naturally
- Great for kids’ growth and immunity
These qualities make it a smart choice for daily Indian cooking.
Final Thoughts
These 5 easy Indian recipes with desi ghee are simple enough for daily cooking yet rich in traditional Indian flavors. Whether you want comfort food like khichdi and dal tadka, or a quick bowl of jeera rice, adding pure A2 desi ghee not only enhances taste but also supports better digestion and overall health.
Try these recipes this week and bring the authentic aroma of Indian kitchens to your home!



