Jeera Rice

Jeera rice, or cumin rice, is a fragrant and flavorful Indian dish made with aromatic basmati rice, earthy cumin seeds, and ghee. This simple yet delicious dish pairs beautifully with various Indian curries, dals, and sabzis. Jeera rice is light, fluffy, and has a subtle, nutty flavor that enhances any meal. With minimal ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare and a perfect choice for everyday meals or festive occasions.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic basmati rice

• 1.5 cups water

• 1 tablespoon organic cumin seeds

• 1 tablespoon Indian ghee

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

How to Make Jeera Rice – Step by Step:

Stovetop Method:

1. Rinse the Rice:
2. Wash the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for 20-30 minutes, then drain.

1. Temper the Spices:
2. Heat ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add the bay leaf and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

1. Cook the Rice:
2. Add the soaked rice and salt to the pan. Stir gently for a minute to coat the rice with the ghee and cumin flavors.

1. Add Water & Simmer:
2. Pour in 1.5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes.

1. Fluff & Serve:
2. Turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve hot with dal or curry

How to Make Jeera Rice in a Cooker:

Instructions:

Rinse the Rice

Wash the basmati rice under running water 2–3 times until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for 15–20 minutes, then drain.

Heat the Cooker

Place a pressure cooker on medium heat and add the ghee. Let it melt completely.

Sauté the Spices

Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Then, add the bay leaf and sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.

Add Rice

Add the soaked and drained rice to the cooker. Gently stir to coat the rice with the ghee and spices.

Add Water & Salt

Pour in 1.5 cups of water for 1 cup of organic basmati rice and add salt. Stir well to combine.

Pressure Cook

Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on medium heat for one whistle. Then, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.

Fluff & Serve

Once the pressure is released, open the lid and gently fluff the Jeera Rice with a fork.

How to Make Jeera Brown Rice:

Difference Between Cooking White and Brown Jeera Rice

Water Ratio

Brown rice requires twice the water compared to white rice. Use 2 cups of water for 1 cup of brown rice, whereas white rice needs 1.5 cups of water for 1 cup of rice.

Soaking Time

Brown rice should be soaked for at least 60 minutes, while white rice only needs 15–20 minutes or can be cooked without soaking.

Cooking Time

Brown rice takes 3–4 whistles in a pressure cooker, while white rice cooks in 1 whistle.

Texture

Brown rice has a chewier texture, while white rice is softer and fluffier.

Jeera Rice is commonly served with dal in India. If you’re interested, you may like to learn how to make Indian dal. Here is the recipe.

Dal Recipe

Frequently asked questions: