Jeera rice

Jeera rice is a simple Indian rice dish made with basmati rice, cumin seeds and ghee. The cumin is briefly fried in warm ghee or oil, so that its aroma and flavour are released. The rice is then cooked until the grains are tender, fluffy and separate.

This Indian cumin rice is often served with dal, curries, spiced vegetables, chicken dishes or lamb dishes. It is a simple side dish, but the fragrant basmati rice and the warm flavour of cumin make it fuller and more aromatic than plain boiled rice.

Serves: 4
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 25 minutes
Total cooking time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the jeera rice

• 300 grams basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons ghee or neutral oil
• 1½ teaspoons cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf, preferably tej patta
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 500 ml water
• Salt

For the finishing

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped coriander
• Optionally a small knob of ghee

Preparation

1. Rinse the rice
   Rinse the basmati rice several times in cold water, until the water is almost clear.
2. Soak the rice
   Let the rice soak in cold water for 10 to 20 minutes.
3. Drain the rice
   Then drain the rice well.
4. Crush the cardamom
   Lightly crush the cardamom pods with the flat side of a knife.

Method

1. Heat the ghee
   Heat the ghee or oil in a heavy-based pan.
2. Fry the cumin
   Add the cumin seeds and fry briefly, until they start to smell fragrant and gently sizzle. Do not let the cumin burn.
3. Fry the spices as well
   Add the bay leaf, cardamom pods and cinnamon stick and fry them briefly as well.
4. Add the rice
   Add the drained basmati rice and fold gently, so that the rice is mixed with the ghee and spices.
5. Add the water
   Add the water and salt and stir once gently.
6. Bring the rice to the boil
   Bring to the boil.
7. Cook the rice gently
   Turn the heat down low once the water is boiling and put a lid on the pan.
8. Cook the rice until done
   Let the rice cook gently for 10 to 12 minutes, until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
9. Let the rice rest
   Turn off the heat and let the rice rest for another 10 minutes with the lid on the pan.
10. Fluff the rice
    Gently fluff the rice with a fork.
11. Finish the rice
    Finish with coriander and optionally a small knob of ghee.
12. Serve the jeera rice
    Serve warm.