Jeera rice (Cumin Flavoured Rice)

Jeera rice, also known as Zeera rice is a popular rice preparation from the Indian subcontinent; a simple dish which heroes cumin seeds.

Jeera rice is a staple rice preparation of North India; it is also prepared in Pakistan where it is known as Zeera rice. It is an extremely simple rice dish where the main ingredient is jeera or cumin seeds. A great accompaniment to any Indian curry – both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.

This dish has a prominent place in my kitchen and is made every quite frequently since it is so simple. A perfect rice dish for those days when you don’t want to slave away in the kitchen.

 
Like the name suggests, this is a dish that celebrates the sweet, warming and nutty flavour of the cumin seeds.

Jeera rice is most often prepared using only cumin seeds but I like to add shahi jeera or caraway seeds to deepen that warm savoury flavour.

Basmati or long grained rice is the grain of choice but I have made using other varieties of rice too; doesn’t take away the flavour of the final dish. The only thing to take care is that the rice must not be overcooked or sticky.

Print Recipe

Jeera rice (Cumin Flavoured Rice)

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

• Long grained basmati rice – 2 cups
• Jeera/cumin seeds – 1 tsp
• Shahi jeera/caraway seeds – 1 tsp
• 2 dried bay leaf
• Ghee – 2 tbsp
• Salt; to season
• Coriander leaves – for garnish optional

Instructions

• Wash the rice well, drain excess water and keep aside.
• In a large bottom pan, heat ghee and add the bay leaf, cumin and caraway seeds. Cook on low heat for a few seconds till the seeds start to crackle.
• Add the rice and stir for 2 minutes to lightly fry the rice.
• Next add required quantity of water and salt to taste.
• Cook till the rice is done and then remove from flame.
• Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
• Serve hot.

Notes

As with any long grained rice, the general proportion of rice to water is 1:2. But sometimes, 1:1 works fine; so make sure you add water according to packet instructions.

For more delicious rice preprations, check out the Rice/Grains category.