Indian Jeera Rice

Transform your mealtime with the effortless elegance of Indian Jeera Rice, a fragrant and flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion. Made with aromatic basmati rice, this recipe comes to life with the nutty warmth of cumin seeds, sautéed to perfection in golden ghee. A hint of bay leaf enhances the earthy depth, while a final garnish of fresh cilantro adds a vibrant touch. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder is a versatile pairing for rich curries, creamy dals, or grilled meats. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive feast, this classic Indian cumin rice recipe is sure to elevate your table with its simplicity and irresistible aroma.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 3

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 1.5 teaspoons Cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon Ghee (or clarified butter)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in water for 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the ghee in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them crackle for about 30 seconds to release their aroma.

Step 3

Add the bay leaf to the pot and sauté for another 10 seconds.

Step 4

Stir in the drained rice and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the rice is coated with the infused ghee and the cumin seeds are evenly distributed.

Step 5

Pour in the water and add salt. Stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 6

Once the water begins to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes. Do not open the lid or stir during this time.

Step 7

After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to finish cooking through steam.

Step 8

Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve hot with your favorite curry or dal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	703.5 grams (703.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	389

Total Fat 16.00g	21%
Saturated Fat 9.10g	45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 36mg	12%
Sodium 1206mg	52%
Total Carbohydrate 52.90g	19%
Dietary Fiber 1.50g	5%
Total Sugars 0.20g
Protein 7.90g	16%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 96mg	7%
Iron 6mg	34%
Potassium 150mg	3%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.2%

Protein: 8.2%

Carbs: 54.6%