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Forkin
Side Dish

Jeera Rice

Jeera rice is a simple and aromatic Indian side dish where rice is cooked with cumin seeds. It's a popular accompaniment to many curries and dals, offering a fragrant and subtly spiced flavor.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
40 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Per serving
360 kcal
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VeganVegetarianGluten-free
Jeera Rice

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cupbasmati rice, rinsed
  • 2.5 cupwater
  • 1 tspcumin seed
  • 1 tbspvegetable oil
  • 0.5 tspsalt

garnish

  • 2 tbspfresh cilantro, chopped(optional)

Equipment

fork · pot · lid

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear; this removes excess starch.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: Rinsing prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

  2. 2

    Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized pot or saucepan over medium heat.

    About 1 min

  3. 3

    Add the cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them splutter and turn fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Be careful not to burn the cumin seeds, as they can become bitter.

  4. 4

    Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir gently for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring each grain is coated in the oil and cumin.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: This step helps to toast the rice slightly, enhancing its flavor.

  5. 5

    Pour in the water and add the salt.

  6. 6

    Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.

    About 3 min

  7. 7

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.

    About 15 min

    Cook’s note: Do not lift the lid during this time, as it releases the steam needed for cooking.

  8. 8

    Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 10 minutes.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: This resting period allows the rice to finish steaming and become fluffy.

  9. 9

    Gently fluff the rice with a fork.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Avoid stirring vigorously, as this can break the rice grains.

  10. 10

    Garnish with fresh cilantro, if using, and serve hot.

Per serving

Nutrition

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 in a microwave with a splash of water or in a pan over low heat until warmed through.

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