Jeera Rice Recipe (Restaurant-Style Cumin Rice)
Jeera Rice is a simple and flavorful Indian recipe made with basmati rice and cumin seeds. It is a light, aromatic, and vegetarian dish and goes well with curries, dals, and dry sabzis, making it a healthy Indian meal.
This rice recipe requires simple ingredients can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it a easy to cook dish for beginners. Jeera Rice is often served in Indian restaurants and is a popular side dish with paneer butter masala, tikka masala, lentil soup (dal) or pair Jeera Rice with Lemon rice for a flavorful combo. Follow the step-by-step instructions to make restaurant-style Jeera rice at home.
Ingredients List
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1 small bay leaf (optional)
- 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)
- 2 cloves (optional)
- 1 green chili (optional, for spice)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups water
- Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves for garnish (optional)
How to Make Jeera Rice
1. To make fluffy Jeera Rice with basmati rice, boil water in a deep pan over medium heat. Rinse 1 cup basmati rice 3–4 times to remove excess starch, then soak for 15 minutes so the grains cook evenly. Add the soaked rice to boiling water, cook until 90% done (about 12–15 minutes), drain, and set aside for tempering with cumin seeds.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the following ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1 slit green chili
Let them crackle until aromatic and lightly browned. Stir for a few seconds to release their fragrance.
3. Add the soaked and drained rice to the pan, then add ½ teaspoon of salt. Gently stir to coat the rice with the spices, and cook on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Turn off the stove and cover the pan. Let the rice sit for 5 minutes to allow it to fluff up. Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains without breaking them. Transfer to a serving bowl or plate. Garnish Jeera Rice with fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves for added freshness.
Tips and Serving Suggestions for Jeera Rice
Serve Jeera Rice with Kadhi Pakora and a cooling raita for a comforting, homestyle Indian meal. The light, fluffy basmati rice flavored with cumin pairs beautifully with the tangy and spiced kadhi.
Jeera Rice also complements Indian restaurant favorites like Butter Chicken, Paneer Tikka Masala, or Chana Masala, making it a versatile choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.
For a richer and more aromatic flavor, cook the rice in ghee instead of oil. This small change enhances the nutty aroma of cumin and elevates the dish. For an extra touch of richness, drizzle a little melted ghee on top. Enjoy the delicious and aromatic restaurant-style Jeera Rice as a perfect side dish.
You can prepare Jeera Rice in a pressure cooker or rice cooker for convenience. Just avoid stirring too much after adding water, as it may break the delicate basmati grains.
For a refreshing touch, serve Jeera Rice with Cucumber Raita or Mint Raita, which add a cooling balance to the warm spices of Indian curries.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Jeera rice cooks great with leftover cooked rice. Just temper the spices in ghee, add the rice, and sauté until heated through.
Long-grain basmati rice is ideal for jeera rice as it is non-sticky when cooked properly. Shorter or sticky rice varieties won’t give the same texture.
Stickiness comes from excess starch in rice. Always rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear, and avoid overcooking.
