Jeera Rice
Jeera rice is a simple but flavorful Indian dish made with basmati rice, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. It's a great side dish for any curry or other Indian-inspired meal.
Jeera rice is a dish that has been enjoyed in India for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the northern state of Punjab, where it is still a popular dish today. The name "jeera" comes from the Hindi word for cumin, which is the main spice used in the dish. Jeera rice is typically made with basmati rice, which is a long-grain rice that has a delicate flavor and aroma. The rice is cooked in a mixture of ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric, and red chili powder. The dish is often garnished with green chili peppers and cilantro.
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Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 tablespoon ghee or vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon black mustard seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 green chili pepper, finely chopped
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
  2. Heat the ghee or oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Once the ghee is hot, add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds.
  4. Let the seeds sizzle for a few seconds, then add the turmeric, chili powder, and green chili.
  5. Stir to combine and cook for about 30 seconds, or until the spices are fragrant.
  6. Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with the spices.
  7. Add 1 1/2 cups of water and salt to taste.
  8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all of the liquid has been absorbed.
Why It Works
  • The combination of cumin and mustard seeds gives the rice a warm and nutty flavor.
  • The turmeric and red chili powder add a bit of color and spice to the dish.
  • The green chili peppers add a bit of heat to the dish.
  • The ghee or vegetable oil helps to keep the rice from sticking to the pan and gives it a rich flavor.