Jeera Rice Recipe

Jeera rice is a easy and flavored rice recipe made with cumin seeds, ghee and basmati rice.  Rice  plays a major role in most of the regional Indian cuisine.  It  can be simple steamed rice or spice-rich biryani recipe which can be served with and without any side dish. One of such simple and favorite recipe is Jeera rice. Here is a  recipe for Jeera Rice, a fragrant and flavorful Indian dish made with cumin seeds and rice. This dish pairs well with various Indian curries and gravies like dal tadka  or Palak Paneer, but can be served with any gravy based curries. 

 Ingredients of Jeera Rice Recipe:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
• 4-5 whole black peppercorns
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cloves
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnishing, optional)

Instructions of making Jeera Rice :

1. Wash the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 20-30 minutes. This helps the rice grains to cook evenly.

2. In a medium-sized pot, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat.

3. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until they release their aroma and turn slightly darker.

4. Add the whole spices: black peppercorns, green cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Sauté for another 20-30 seconds until the spices release their aroma.

5. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Sauté the rice gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps in coating the rice with the ghee and spices.

6. Pour in the water and add salt to taste. Give everything a gentle stir.

7. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.

8. Let the rice simmer on low heat for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Avoid stirring the rice during this process to prevent breaking the grains.

9. Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5-10 minutes. This resting time helps the rice to fluff up and the flavors to meld.

10. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

11. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves if desired.

Your Jeera Rice is now ready to be served alongside your favorite curries or enjoyed on its own. Enjoy!

Some health benefits of Jeera Rice:

Cumin seeds or Jeera are known for their ability to improve digestion. Jeera Rice, in turn, is very easily digested even by people who have stomach problems. Jeera Rice contains iron in rich amounts which can boost your immunity.

Country of origin- India