HOW TO MAKE JEERA RICE?
Jeera rice is the easiest rice-based recipe that any newbie can make. It s a very beginner-friendly dish and scores high on several counts. It can be made as a huge batch and feeds a crowd easily. This makes this Jeera rice a party-friendly recipe.
This recipe calls for a very few ingredients and so you need not go foraging in your pantry for an assortment of spices and masalas. You can make this cumin-flavored rice in your Instapot, Mealthy Multipot, Open pan and Pressure cooker too. This recipe is that versatile and forgiving.
Most often, people tend to think of it as nothing but steamed rice tempered with cumin seeds. But no, it’s a little more than that. It involves striking the right balance between the spices and the rice. And not going for the overkill. My recipe is a time-tested recipe. I have tried several ways of making Jeera rice and I must say this version stands out brilliantly among all my other trials. It almost matches up to the ones served in restaurants and yet has a homey earthy flavor to it.
Recipe Notes
The proportion of water and rice is very important in getting fluffy nonsticky rice. Also, the soaking time changes the cooking time. Hence, it becomes very important to follow the exact timings mentioned here.
Only Basmati rice works well in this recipe if you are looking for a restaurant-style recipe. However, if you want a simple home-style recipe, then you can use short-grained rice varieties like Govindo Bhog or Jeerasar too.
Serving suggestions
Our favorite way to enjoy jeera rice is with rajma masala and papad. I also make a chilled Boondi Raita to make it a complete meal. Try it and you will love it!
More recipes featuring rice
Jeera Rice
Equipment
- Heavy bottomed pan
Ingredients
- 1 c Basmati rice
- 2 c Water
- 2 tablespoon Ghee clarified butter
- 1 teaspoon Shah Jeera Caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 2 podsGreen cardamom pods
- 1 small Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Salt or to taste
Instructions
- Wash the basmati rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.
- Soak the rice in 2 c water for 20 mins.
- Once done, heat a wide and deep pan with ghee.
- Reduce the heat to the lowest.
- Add cumin seeds, cardamom seeds, shah jeera, and bay leaf, and wait till the spices begin to brown.
- Now, add the soaked rice along with the water and salt.
- Gently mix with a wooden ladle.
- Cook the rice till done.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork.
- Alternatively, you can cook the rice in an electric rice cooker too.
For Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes
Instant Pot timings may vary based on your geographic location. Air fryer settings and timings may vary based on the capacity and the model of the Air fryer.
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are provided here as a courtesy and are only a rough guide. Please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns.
This recipe was originally posted in August 2014. This has been updated with recipe cards and fresh pictures.
reciperoll says
One of my fav quick rice,perfect with paneer based curries…
Manju says
You wouldn't believe me but there are times when I have gone searching for these non-recipe recipes. The first time I ever made jeera rice, it was a disaster, I burnt the jeera and the rice had a smoky burnt flavor to it. I am sure a lot of people out there will appreciate this.
Priya Nm says
Simple and delicious rice.. 🙂
anubhavati says
I completely agree with you Anusha…I have some classics that are so basic and so simple yet you need to strike that exact balance….Jeera Rice looks awesome! Our fav combo at home is Peas Pulav and watery Dal!<br />Shobha
Shweta Arora says
Looks nice and fluffy. Totally agree such simple recipes have their own charm and are comfort food for most of us. Jeera rice is a staple in my house.
Ramya Venkateswaran says
flavorful rice