Jeera Rice Recipe: A Fragrant and Simple Rice Dish

Introduction:
Jeera Rice, also known as Cumin Rice, is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish made by cooking basmati rice with cumin seeds and a few simple spices. The subtle flavors of cumin (jeera) enhance the natural taste of rice, making it a perfect accompaniment to curries, dal, or even grilled meats. Jeera rice is quick to prepare and a favorite in Indian households due to its simplicity and delicious taste.

Ingredients:

For the Rice:

1 cup basmati rice (chawal)
2 cups water (pani)
Salt (namak) to taste

For the Tempering:

2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil (tel)
1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
1 bay leaf (tej patta)
1-2 green cardamom pods (elaichi)
1 small cinnamon stick (dalchini)
2-3 cloves (laung)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (kali mirch)
Fresh coriander leaves (hara dhania) for garnishing

Steps to Prepare Jeera Rice:

Cook the Rice:

Wash 1 cup basmati rice (chawal) thoroughly under running water.
Soak the rice in water for 20-30 minutes, then drain.
In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water (pani) to a boil.
Add the soaked rice to the boiling water and cook until the rice is 70-80% cooked.
Drain the rice and set it aside.

Prepare the Tempering:

Heat 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil (tel) in a pan over medium heat.
Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera) and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
Add the bay leaf (tej patta), green cardamom (elaichi), cinnamon stick (dalchini), cloves (laung), and black pepper (kali mirch).
Sauté the spices for a minute until they release their fragrance.

Combine the Rice and Tempering:

Add the cooked and drained rice to the pan with the tempering.
Gently mix the rice with the tempering to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Add salt (namak) to taste and continue to cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish the jeera rice with freshly chopped coriander leaves (hara dhania).
Serve hot with your favorite curry, dal, or yogurt.

Conclusion:
Jeera Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that perfectly complements a variety of curries, dals, and side dishes. The subtle aroma of cumin and the delicate spices make it a favorite in Indian cuisine. It’s easy to make, requires only a few ingredients, and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. This easy-to-follow recipe brings out the best in basmati rice, making it an ideal choice for everyday meals and special occasions.

Start your healthy eating journey with delicious, simple smoothie and snack recipes.