Jeera Rice

Jeera Rice vegetarian recipe

Fluffy Jeera Rice is super easy to make and the best side for your favorite curry. It's totally gluten-free comfort food.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons ghee
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
  • 2 green chilies
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves

Instructions

  1. Wash 2 cups of basmati rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the washed rice in 4 cups of fresh water for 30 minutes (Optional). After 30 minutes, drain the water completely using a fine-mesh strainer.
  2. Peel and finely dice 1 small onion. Peel and finely chop 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. Wash and finely chop 2 green chilies.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a medium-sized heavy-bottomed pot or a pressure cooker over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the finely diced 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, and finely chopped 2 green chilies to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
  5. Add the drained basmati rice to the pot and gently stir for 1-2 minutes, making sure the rice grains are coated with the ghee and spices.
  6. Pour in 4 cups of water and add 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. If cooking in a pot: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
  8. If cooking in a pressure cooker: Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 1 whistle (approximately 5-7 minutes on Instant Pot, set to high pressure with natural release). Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally for 5-7 minutes before opening the lid.
  9. Once the rice is cooked, gently fluff it with a fork. Wash and finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh coriander leaves. Garnish the Jeera Rice with the fresh coriander leaves before serving.

View the interactive Jeera Rice recipe