Jeera Rice

Gunjan Chopra -

Jeera rice, a popular North Indian dish is a simple preparation of rice that has been flavoured with jeera or cumin seeds. It is a perfect accompaniment with dal, curries and kadhis etc. A perfect jeera rice is one where all the rice grains are separate, uniformly seasoned and fluffy.

It is very easy to prepare, unlike biryani or pulao. To make perfect restaurant-style Jeera rice, you must be very careful about the cooking time of rice as it should not be overdone. This recipe is easy, versatile and amazing with any Indian curry.

Ingredients

  • 3 tsp ghee (clarified butter)
  • 3/4 tsp jeera (cumin seeds)
  • 1 bowl boiled rice (basmati)
  • Finely chopped coriander leaves
  • Salt to taste

How to cook rice

  • The first step is to wash and drain the rice thoroughly and soak it for about 30 minutes.
  • Take a deep non-stick pan and add soaked rice and salt along with enough water and cook it on a medium flame for 6-7 minutes while stirring occasionally.
  • Strain it using a strainer and transfer it to a flat plate immediately.
  • Keep it aside to cool completely for around half an hour.

How to prepare Jeera Rice

  • Add 3 tsp of ghee to the pan.
  • Once the ghee heats up, add 3/4 tsp jeera and stir it until it turns aromatic.
  • Add pre-soaked and cooked basmati rice.
  • Add salt according to taste.
  • Mix all the contents gently and stir occasionally for every 2 minutes. Make sure that the rice grains do not break.
  • After 5 minutes, turn off the flame and garnish it with coriander leaves.
  • Enjoy it with your favourite curry/gravy.