Jeera Rice is popular Indian rice made in Desi Ghee and tempered with Cumin or jeera. The earthy flavor of Jeera, the aromatic bayleaf and pepper make this recipe of rice special and my daughter looks forward to having this rice at any time of the day! This cumin rice recipe makes rice that are perfect in every sense- Separated, not soggy or overcooked, flavorful, made in the pressure cooker, goes well with Curd, Lentil or, any curry dish. Make this amazing rice and trust me it will be your family favorite soon! If you are looking for more healthy rice recipe, you may check Veg Brown Rice Pulao, Pumpkin Rice with Coconut Milk, Vegetable Rice Recipe, and Crispy Air Fried Rice Paper Dumplings.
Why Would You Love This Recipe?
Gluten-Free. Easily convertible to Vegan. Kid’s Friendly. Flavorful. Super Easy Ingredients Quick and Easy Recipe of One-Pot Rice. Gathers in No time. The Best Jeera Rice Ever!
What is Jeera Rice?
Jeera Rice or Cumin Rice is white basmati rice made with cumin or jeera. Jeera is an incredible Indian spice that adds an earthy and warm flavor to any dish. This recipe uses Cumin seeds and they add contrasting color to the white rice.
Ingredients Overview
Basmati Rice- This recipe uses basmati rice. I have used India Gate brand. You may use any local brand of long rice. Make sure to soak rice for at least 15-20 minutes. This ensures in making fluffy and separated rice. Jeera- is the star ingredient of this recipe. Jeera or cumin seeds add perfect earthy and aromatic flavor to this rice. Adding it in hot ghee makes a crackling sound and make sure it doesn’t get burnt. Desi Ghee- Ghee adds depth to the aroma and nutty flavor. For the vegan options, you may use vegan oil, coconut oil, or sunflower oil. But taste and flavor would drastically change when you change the oil/ghee in which rice is cooked. Black pepper- Adds spicy touch to this rice. I have used the whole pepper. You may use pepper powder as well. Bayleaf- is added as a major spice in rice and curry dishes. Indian dishes are incomplete without the additon of bayleaf. Clove- Whole clove adds bold flavor and aroma to the rice. You may also add cinammon to make more flavorful rice. Its optional, though. Salt and water- I have used normal salt. For people on low sodium diet, Sendha salt works best. Rice to water ratio is 1:2, provided the rice is soaked for at least 15 min. This ratio is for pressure cooker rice.
How to Make Jeera Rice in Pressure Cooker
Step-1 Soaking
Wash rice many times. I prefer using old rice and it is a bit dusty. Rinsing rice well is really crucial. Soak it for 15-20 minutes
Step-2 Pressure Cook
In a pressure cooker, add desi ghee. Then add jeera and other whole spices. Once jeera splutters, add soaked rice (after draining the water). Cook it for a while. Add water and salt. Pressure cook for about two whistles on full and 3 min on simmer. Let it cool off at its own and don’t release the pressure or else the rice may remain uncooked.
Step-3 Serve
Serve the hot and aromatic Jeera rice with curd or any curry dish!
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Rice
Soaking rice is an important step and I would suggest not to skip it. It helps create fluffy rice and cooking time is naturally reduced as well. When adding jeera and other spices to hot ghee, make sure to simmer the flame and let jeera splutter gradually or else it will get burnt quickly and you may not like the flavor of black jeera. Once it splutters, add rice immediately. Remember to discard the water in which rice is soaked as it may have dust and starch. Always use fresh water to cook rice. I always prefer to cook rice on simmer for few minutes in a pressure cooker. Never release the pressure early. Let it cool on itself.
What to Serve with This Cumin Rice?
Rice goes well with many cuisines! Any paneer gravy dish, lentil, beans, curd, spicy dips- a versatile rice teams great with each of these. I love having rice as is when it’s hot and spread the home with its aroma.
Mushroom Masala Paneer Tikka Masala Punjabi Chana Masala Dal Makhani Bathua Curd
Different Ways to Make Cumin Rice
Pressure Cooker Method- This recipe uses pressure cooker to make the rice. One-pot rice is a total comfort for everyone. Soak the rice. Temper it in ghee with Jeera, salt and water. Pressure cook for about 3-5 min on full flame and 2 min on simmer. Ratio of Rice to water: 1:2 Note: If rice are not soaked, use ratio 1: 2.5 Instant Pot Rice- Add ghee, cumin to the instant pot and add water with rice. Cook for 6 minutes on high and let the pressure release at its own. Rice in Kadai- Some people prefer the crunchy taste of rice made in kadai. You may use ratio of 1:1.5 when making rice in Kadai/wok. Make sure to soak rice and keep a watch on it. Variations- Add vegetables to make a vegetable Pulao without changing this recipe. Use jasmine rice to make stickier fried rice with vegetables.
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More Rice Recipes-
Easy Vegan Fried Brown Rice Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Brown Rice Recipe- Pressure Cooker Pumpkin Rice Recipe With Coconut Milk (Wok + Instant Pot) Air Fryer Crispy Rice Paper Dumplings Recipe Jeera Rice in Desi Ghee- One Pot Cumin Rice Brown Rice Pulao Recipe (Indian Style)
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