Jeera Rice is a beloved Indian side dish featuring fragrant basmati rice cooked with toasted cumin seeds and ghee. This Easy Delicious Jeera Rice Recipe requires just a few simple ingredients—long-grain basmati rice, cumin seeds (jeera), ghee or oil, and optional whole spices like bay leaf, cinnamon, and cloves—yet delivers restaurant-quality results at home.
The recipe produces light, fluffy grains with a warm, earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with any Indian curry, dal, or spiced gravy, making it an essential addition to your Indian Rice Recipes collection.
Understanding Jeera Rice
Jeera Rice, or Cumin Rice, is a staple in Indian cuisine, known for its simplicity and aromatic flavor. This dish features long-grain basmati rice cooked with toasted cumin seeds, creating a delightful side that pairs well with various curries and dals.
The Easy Delicious Jeera Rice Recipe is not just easy to prepare but also brings a restaurant-quality experience to your dining table. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that embodies the essence of Indian Rice Recipes.
Ingredients for a Flavorful Dish
To make this Cumin Rice Recipe, you will need basic ingredients that are often found in Indian kitchens. The star of the dish is basmati rice, complemented by ghee or oil and aromatic cumin seeds.
Optional whole spices like bay leaf, cinnamon, and cloves can be added for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh cilantro serves as a garnish, enhancing the visual appeal and freshness of the dish.
Cooking Process
The process of making Jeera Rice is straightforward and can be completed in about 25 minutes. Start by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear, then soak it for 20-30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving fluffy grains.
Next, heat ghee in a pot and sauté the cumin seeds until fragrant. If you choose to use whole spices, add them at this stage for a more aromatic profile. Once the spices are ready, add the soaked rice, water, and salt, bringing it to a boil.
Perfecting the Texture
After boiling, reduce the heat and let the rice simmer until all the water is absorbed. This method ensures that the rice cooks evenly and remains fluffy. Allowing the rice to sit covered for a few minutes post-cooking is key to achieving the perfect texture.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving, and garnish with chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. This simple step elevates the dish, making it visually appealing and inviting.
Serving Suggestions
Jeera Rice is incredibly versatile and can be served alongside various Indian dishes. It pairs beautifully with colorful curries, dal, or even grilled meats. The warm, earthy aroma of cumin complements the spices in these dishes, creating a harmonious meal.
For a complete dining experience, serve Jeera Rice with naan or roti, allowing you to savor every bite. The combination of fluffy rice, rich curry, and soft bread is sure to delight your taste buds.
Nutritional Benefits
This Cumin Rice Recipe not only satisfies the palate but also offers nutritional benefits. A serving of Jeera Rice contains approximately 200 calories, making it a light yet fulfilling option for any meal.
With 4 grams of protein and 8 grams of fat, it provides a balanced addition to your diet. Incorporating Jeera Rice into your meals can enhance your culinary repertoire while keeping your meals nutritious and delicious.
Simple Cumin Rice Recipe
This Jeera Rice Recipe showcases the aromatic flavor of cumin, creating a delightful side dish that complements a variety of Indian meals. The cooking process takes about 25 minutes and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 2 cups water
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)
- 2-3 whole cloves (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 20-30 minutes, then drain.
- Heat Ghee: In a pot, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Whole Spices: If using, add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cloves, and sauté for another minute.
- Cook the Rice: Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot, stirring gently to coat the rice with the ghee and spices. Pour in the water and add salt to taste. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g