Jeera Rice, a fragrant and flavorful Indian side dish, combines the nutty aroma of basmati rice with the warm, earthy essence of cumin seeds for a simple yet irresistible recipe. This one-pot dish is elevated with whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaf, which infuse the rice with subtle layers of flavor, making it a perfect pairing for rich curries or dal. Prepared with just a handful of ingredients, including ghee for added richness and a garnish of fresh coriander, Jeera Rice is not only quick to make—with a total cook time of 20 minutes—but also versatile, ideal for everyday meals or festive occasions. Enhance your dining experience with this easy, aromatic recipe that guarantees fluffy, perfectly cooked rice every time! Keywords: Jeera Rice recipe, cumin rice, fragrant Indian rice, basmati rice recipe, quick Indian side dish.
Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
Soak the rinsed rice in enough water for about 15 minutes. This helps the rice to cook evenly and fluffier.
In a medium-sized pot, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until they turn a little darker.
Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Drain the soaked rice well and add it to the pot. Gently stir to combine the rice with the spices without breaking the grains.
Pour in the water and add salt. Stir once, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 10-12 minutes until the rice is tender and all the water has been absorbed.
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and results in perfectly fluffy grains.
Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving.
Calories |
536 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.3 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.2 g | 86% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 84 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 2396 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 59.0 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.5 g | ||
| Protein | 8.4 g | 17% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 140 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 222 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.