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    Home » Recipes » Entrees

    Jeera Rice - Stove-Top & Instant Pot Recipe

    Jump to Recipe

    Jeera Rice is the most flavorful, common and easy variant of steamed rice. Jeera rice of course gets its aroma and flavors from toasted jeera, also known as cumin seeds. Essential oils from whole spices like bay leaves, cloves, cardamom and star anise all add a unique essence.

    Jeera Rice – Stove-Top & Instant Pot Recipe
    Jump to:
    • Type of Rice to use for Jeera Rice
    • Tips for a Perfect Jeera Rice
    • Jeera Rice Ingredients
    • Jeera Rice Method
    • My Favorite Jeera Rice Accompaniments
    • Recipe

    Substitute Jeera rice in your everyday meal with plain steamed rice to enhance the experience of everyday meals. All you need is 15 minutes cooking time to make this vegan and gluten-free rice recipe that goes along with any curry or dal.

    Jeera rice served with chana saag

    Type of Rice to use for Jeera Rice

    It’s hard to think of a food more universal than rice. Rice, as a grain, is a most widely consumed staple food in the whole world. There are many varieties of rice such as white, brown, red, black and purple; but white rice is the most popular and commonly consumed variety.

    Jeera Rice Ingredients

    White rice can be further classified into long, medium, and short-grained rice. Medium and short grain rice is more popular in Eastern Asia, while in Indian subcontinent long grain rice is commonly used. Basmati rice and Jasmine rice are the two most popular long gain variants of rice used in this region.

    My favorite Basmati Rice to Use for This Recipe

    Even though Jasmine rice is the more common for daily use in most families, I grew up eating only the best quality Basmati rice. I have yet to taste Jasmine Rice.  Basmati Rice is popular for its size and fragrance. Older the basmati rice, better it is.

    Jeera Rice

    Aging process adds a distinct flavor to the basmati rice. Basmati rice should age at least for one year after harvesting, but the more aged basmati rice would be even better. That’s why, I prefer to use India Gate Classic Basmati Rice which is aged for two years. It has an amazing fragrance and cooks to an extra-long grain basmati rice.

    Jeera Rice

    Tips for a Perfect Jeera Rice

    Making Jeera rice is very easy and can be cooked either in a pan on stovetop or in pressure cooker, such as Mealthy or Instant Pot. Sharing few tips how to make perfectly fluffed and separated grains every time you make it. 

    Jeera Rice
    1. First and foremost, you need a really good quality aged long grain Basmati rice. I would recommend India Gate Classic long grain and aged Basmati Rice.
    2. Rinsing rice prior to cooking is very important to get rid of dust and contaminants that rice gets exposed to during milling, storing and packing process.
    3. Rinsing rice 3-4 times also helps in removing extra starch, which results into more tender fluffier and separated cooked rice grains.
    4. If time allows, soak the rice for 15 to 20 minutes. Soaking rice helps in achieving the perfect texture of rice. Soaked rice always yields longer and fluffier cooked individual grain.
    5. Sauté whole spices in hot oil for few seconds before adding rice to them. This process releases the essential oils and adds more flavor to the jeera rice. Also be cautious that spices do not get burnt.
    6. Crush the whole cardamom and cloves slightly as they might pop in hot oil when added whole.
    7. Add 1 teaspoon of lime or lemon juice for more fluffy and separated rice grains, especially when cooking in pressure cooker or rice cooker.
    8. Water ratio depends on which method you are using to cook. For stovetop method 1:2 rice to water ratio and for Instant Pot 1:1.25 rice to water ratio works best.
    9. Roasting the rice with spices for a few minutes before adding water enahnces the overall flavor.
    10. When cooking rice using stovetop method, switch off the heat before all water is absorbed by rice. Let the rice sit and steam cook for 15 minutes.
    11. When cooking using Instant Pot, transfer the jeera rice to serving dish immediately once done to avoid any sticking and getting it dry.
    12. Always fluff the cooked rice with light hand to avoid any breakage of rice since rice would be very tender.
    13. Finally, pair this flavorful jeera rice with Dal Tadka, Chana Saag, Panchmel dal, Palak Dal or with this Everyday Matar Paneer Curry.
    Jeera Rice

    Jeera Rice Ingredients

    Jeera Rice Ingredients

    Dairy:

    1. Oil: 1 tbs

    Pantry:

    1. Long grain Basmati Rice: 1 cup 
    2. Water: 2 cups for Cooktop method and 1.25 cup of Instant Pot Method.

    Spices:

    1. Bay leaf: 2 in number
    2. Cinnamon Stick: 1inch stick
    3. Green Cardamom: 4-5 in number
    4. Cloves: 4-5 in number
    5. Star Anise: 1 in number
    6. Cumin Seeds: 1 tsp
    7. Salt: ½ tsp

    Produce:

    1. Green Chilis: 2 slited or adjust as per your spice level
    2. Lemon or Lime Juice: 1 tsp
    3. Cilantro: handful/15 gm chopped
    4. Pomegranate Arils: ¼ cup
    Jeera Rice Ingredients

    Jeera Rice Method

    Instant Pot Recipe

    1. Wash the rice 4-5 times until the water turns clear. Drain and set it aside.
      One cup rice rice being washed
      cloudy water after washing rice washed rice soaked in water
    2. Press the saute button of the Instant Pot. Once it displays hot, add oil. Then add Cumin seeds, let the cumin seeds splutter.
      oil being added to instant pot pan cumin seeds being added
    3. Now add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, lightly crushed cloves, green cardamom and star anise.
      bay leaves being added to instant pot pan for jeera rice recipe Whole spices being added to instant ot pan
    4. Add slits of green chilies. Spices sputtering in oil in instant pot pan
    5. Roast all the spices for few seconds until you start getting aroma of whole spices.
    6. Then add the rinsed and soaked basmati rice to the pot. Roast the rice with the spices for 2 to 3 minutes.
      rice being added to instant pot pan after sauteing the spices Jeera rice being cooked in an instant pot pan
    7. Add 1.25 times water of rice quantity, salt and stir.
      water being added to jeera rice recipe salt being added to instant pot pan
    8. Close the pot with the lid and press the manual/pressure cook button. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes with the pressure valve in the sealing position.
      making sure that instant pot wsitle is in sealing location Instant pot settings for Jeera rice recipe
    9. Let the pressure release naturally. Open the pot and fluff the rice.
      Cooked jeera rice in instant pot pan Cooked Jeera rice closeup
    10. Sprinkle handful of chopped cilantro and pomegranate arils. Jeera rice topped with cilantro and pomegranate
    11. Serve hot!

    Stove Top Recipe

    1. Wash the basmati rice a few times, and then soak it in enough water so that the rice is completely soaked and has an inch of extra water on top. Soak the rice for at least 30 minutes.
      One cup rice rice being washed
      cloudy water after washing rice washed rice soaked in water
    2. When you are ready to cook, drain all the water from the rice and set the rice aside. 
    3. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds to it.
      Oil being added to pan Cumin Seeds being added to hot oil
    4. Now add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, lightly crushed cloves, green cardamom and star anise.
      Whole spice being added to jeera rice recipe bay leaves being added to jeera rice recipe
    5. Add the chopped green chili and drained rice to it.
      slit green chilies being added to jeera rice recipe washed and drained rice being added to jeera rice recipe
    6. Sauté the rice with spices in the pan for two to three minutes on a medium flame. This helps add more flavor to the rice. 
    7. Add two cups water and salt to the rice and mix well.
      water being added to jeera rice recipe Salt being added to jeera rice recipe
    8. Squeeze around 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice to it for fluffier and not sticky rice. few lemon drops being added to jeera rice recipe
    9. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for approximately five to six minutes, till 90 percent of water has been absorbed by rice. During cooking little water still remaining
    10. Give it a quick stir and switch off the heat.
    11. Cover the pan with a lid and let the rice sit for 15 minutes. Rice being steam cooked
    12. The rice will completely cook with the remnant heat of steam without getting mushy. 
    13. Take the lid off and fluff the rice. cooked Jeera Rice closeup
    14. Sprinkle with chopped coriander and Pomegranate arils. Jeera rice topped with cilantro and pomegranate
    15. Serve hot!

    My Favorite Jeera Rice Accompaniments

    • Dal Tadka (Curry Lentil Soup)
    • Chana Saag - Chickpea and Spinach Curry
    • Palak Dal - Spinach Lentil Soup
    • Panchmel Dal - Five Lentil Soup
    • Urad Chana Dal - Maa Chole ki Dal Recipe
    • Matar Paneer - Light Everyday Recipe

    Recipe

    Jeera Rice – Stove-Top & Instant Pot Recipe
    4 from 4 votes

    Jeera Rice

    Stove top and instant pot Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice) recipe with tips to make it perfect every time. Aromatic and flavorful rice that complements any dish.
    Review Print Pin Share
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Resting time15 minutes mins
    Total Time35 minutes mins
    Course: Condiments, Everyday Recipe, Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian
    Keyword: Basmati Rice, Cilantro Rice, Cumin Rice, Jeera Rice, Steamed Rice
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 165kcal
    Author: Rupali Agarwal

    Ingredients

    Dairy:

    • 1 tablespoon Ghee

    Pantry:

    • 220 gms Basmati Rice 1 cup - Long grain
    • 2 cups Water

    Spices

    • 2 Bay leaf 2 in number
    • 1 gm Cinnamon Stick 1 inch stick
    • 4 Green Cardamom 4-5 in number
    • 4 Cloves 4-5 in number
    • 1 Star Anise 1 in number
    • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
    • ½ teaspoon Salt

    Produce:

    • 5 gm Green chilies 2-3 in number
    • 1 teaspoon Lime juice
    • 15 gm Cilantro Handful - Chopped
    • ¼ cup Pomegranate Arils

    Instructions

    Instant Pot Method

    • Wash the rice 4-5 times until the water turns clear. Drain and set it aside.
    • Press the saute button of the Instant Pot. Once it displays hot, add oil. Then add Cumin seeds, let the cumin seeds splutter.
    • Now add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, lightly crushed cloves, green cardamom and star anise.
    • Add slits of green chilies.
    • Roast all the spices for few seconds until you start getting aroma of whole spices.
    • Then add the rinsed and soaked basmati rice to the pot. Stir the rice with the spices for 30 seconds.
    • Add 1.25 times water of rice quantity, salt and stir.
    • Close the pot with the lid and press the manual/pressure cook button. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes with the pressure valve in the sealing position.
    • Let the pressure release naturally. Open the pot and fluff the rice.
    • Sprinkle handful of chopped cilantro and pomegranate arils.
    • Serve hot!

    Stove Top Jeera Rice Recipe

    • Wash the basmati rice a few times, and then soak it in enough water so that the rice is completely soaked and has an inch of extra water on top. Soak the rice for at least 30 minutes.
    • When you are ready to cook, drain all the water from the rice and set the rice aside.
    • Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds to it.
    • Now add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, lightly crushed cloves, green cardamom and star anise.
    • Add the chopped green chili and drained rice to it.
    • Sauté the rice in the pan for two minutes on a medium flame. This helps add more flavor to the rice.
    • Add two cups water and salt to the rice and mix well.
    • Squeeze around 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice to it for fluffier and not sticky rice.
    • Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for approximately five to six minutes, till 90 percent of water has been absorbed by rice.
    • Give it a quick stir and switch off the heat.
    • Cover the pan with a lid and let the rice sit for 15 minutes.
    • The rice will completely cook with the remnant heat of steam without getting mushy.
    • Take the lid off and fluff the rice.
    • Sprinkle with chopped coriander and Pomegranate arils.
    • Serve hot!

    Video

    Nutrition Facts
    Jeera Rice
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 165 Calories from Fat 27
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 3g5%
    Saturated Fat 2g13%
    Cholesterol 6mg2%
    Sodium 202mg9%
    Potassium 77mg2%
    Carbohydrates 31g10%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 1g1%
    Protein 3g6%
    Vitamin A 169IU3%
    Vitamin C 2mg2%
    Calcium 18mg2%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Tag @enhanceyourpalate on Instagram and hashtag it #enhanceyourpalate
    What type of rice to use for Jeera Rice or steamed rice?

    It’s hard to think of a food more universal than rice. Rice, as a grain, is a most widely consumed staple food in the whole world. There are many varieties of rice such as white, brown, red, black and purple; but white rice is the most popular and commonly consumed variety.

    White rice can be further classified into long, medium, and short-grained rice. Medium and short grain rice is more popular in Eastern Asia, while in Indian subcontinent long grain rice is commonly used. Basmati rice and Jasmine rice are the two most popular long gain variants of rice used in this region.

    How to make perfect Jeera Rice?

    1. First and foremost, you need a really good quality aged long grain Basmati rice. I would recommend India Gate Classic long grain and aged Basmati Rice.
    2. Rinsing rice prior to cooking is very important to get rid of dust and contaminants that rice gets exposed to during milling, storing and packing process.
    3. Rinsing rice 3-4 times also helps in removing extra starch, which results into more tender fluffier and separated cooked rice grains.
    4. If time allows, soak the rice for 15 to 20 minutes. Soaking rice helps in achieving the perfect texture of rice. Soaked rice always yields longer and fluffier cooked individual grain.
    5. Sauté whole spices in hot oil for few seconds before adding rice to them. This process releases the essential oils and adds more flavor to the jeera rice. Also be cautious that spices do not get burnt.
    6. Crush the whole cardamom and cloves slightly as they might pop in hot oil when added whole.
    7. Add 1 teaspoon of lime or lemon juice for more fluffy and separated rice grains, especially when cooking in pressure cooker or rice cooker.
    8. Water ratio depends on which method you are using to cook. For stovetop method 1:2 rice to water ratio and for Instant Pot 1:1.25 rice to water ratio works best.
    9. Roasting the rice with spices for a few minutes before adding water enahnces the overall flavor.
    10. When cooking rice using stovetop method, switch off the heat before all water is absorbed by rice. Let the rice sit and steam cook for 15 minutes.
    11. When cooking using Instant Pot, transfer the jeera rice to serving dish immediately once done to avoid any sticking and getting it dry.
    12. Always fluff the cooked rice with light hand to avoid any breakage of rice since rice would be very tender.
    13. Finally, pair this flavorful jeera rice with Dal Tadka, Chana Saag, Panchmel dal, Palak Dal or with this Everyday Matar Paneer Curry.

    Which is the best Indian Basmati Rice Brand?

    Aging process adds a distinct flavor to the basmati rice. Basmati rice should age at least for one year after harvesting, but the more aged basmati rice would be even better. That’s why, I prefer to use India Gate Classic Basmati Rice which is aged for two years. It has an amazing fragrance and cooks to an extra-long grain basmati rice.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Colleen says

      January 27, 2020 at 6:11 pm

      5 stars
      In your list of ingredients, you don't mention the green cardamon or the green chilis - you might want to put them in there for those who refer to that list for shopping. Sounds wonderful - I will definitely be trying it!

      Reply
      • Rupali Agarwal says

        January 27, 2020 at 6:48 pm

        Thank you Colleen for pointing it out! Hope you enjoy the recipe.

        Reply
    4 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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