Side Dish

Jeera Rice

Name: Jeera Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: indian
Ingredients: 1.5 cup basmati rice rinsed and soaked for 15-20 minutes; 2.5 cup water; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp cumin seed; 0.75 tsp salt; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped (optional)

Jeera rice is a fragrant and flavorful Indian side dish where rice is cooked with cumin seeds. It's a simple yet elegant accompaniment to various curries and dals, offering a subtle warmth and aroma.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 35 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Per serving: 360 kcal

VeganVegetarianGluten-free

Mise en place

Ingredients

1.5 cupbasmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 15-20 minutes
2.5 cupwater
1 tbspvegetable oil
1 tspcumin seed
0.75 tspsalt

garnish

2 tbspfresh cilantro, chopped(optional)

Equipment

medium pot with lid · strainer · fork

The method

Step by step

1
Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear, then soak it in fresh water for 15-20 minutes.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: Soaking helps the rice cook more evenly and prevents it from getting sticky.
2
After soaking, drain the rice well and set aside.
3
Heat the vegetable oil in a medium pot or saucepan over medium heat.
About 1 min
4
Add the cumin seeds to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds until they turn a light golden brown and become fragrant.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Be careful not to burn the cumin seeds, as they can turn bitter quickly.
5
Add the drained basmati rice to the pot and stir gently to coat the grains with the oil and cumin seeds.
About 1 min
6
Pour in the water and add the salt.
7
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: Do not lift the lid during this cooking time, as it will release steam and affect the cooking process.
8
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: This resting period allows the steam to redistribute and the rice grains to firm up.
9
Gently fluff the jeera rice with a fork.
10
Garnish with fresh cilantro, if using, and serve hot.

Per serving

Nutrition

75%Score

Calories: 359.6kcal
Protein: 6.4g
Carbs: 70.5g
Fat: 4.4g
Fibre: 0.6g
Sugar: 0.2g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover jeera rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying.