Jeera Rice Recipe – Perfect Fluffy Cumin Rice Every Time

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Quick & Easy Jeera Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Fluffy Jeera Rice served with a side of flavorful Aloo Curry, garnished with fresh coriander. pinit

There’s something comforting about a bowl of perfectly cooked Jeera Rice – the subtle aroma of roasted cumin seeds, the fluffy texture of each grain, and the way it complements every Indian curry and dal. 

This humble yet flavorful dish is a staple in Indian households and a must-have on restaurant menus. Whether you’re pairing it with creamy butter chicken, spicy chole, or tangy dal tadka, Jeera Rice elevates every meal with its simplicity and charm.

Making the perfect Jeera Rice recipe at home doesn’t require expert skills. With the right tips, you can create light, fragrant, and non-sticky cumin rice in just minutes. 

It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, bringing families together over hearty meals and cherished memories. 

Dive into this recipe and discover how to bring authentic flavors to your table effortlessly!

Jeera Rice Recipe – Perfect Fluffy Cumin Rice Every Time

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins
Servings: 4 Calories: 200
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

About The Recipe

Tell me a foodie who doesn’t crave a bowl of Jeera Rice, served with a hearty Dal Tadka, rich Indian curries, or flavorful mutton gravies. This humble yet iconic dish is more than just a side; it’s a heartfelt reminder of home-cooked comfort.

Jeera Rice is one of the simplest yet most loved dishes on any Indian table. Its fragrant aroma, thanks to the lightly roasted cumin seeds, and the delicate texture of fluffy basmati rice make it a universal favorite. Whether it’s a festive spread or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish holds a special place in every foodie’s heart.

At Nitasplatter, we believe every recipe has a story, and Jeera Rice is no exception. It’s not just rice flavored with cumin—it’s a symbol of how food can transform a mundane meal into something magical. From pairing it with spicy curries to savoring it with a spoonful of plain yogurt, this dish is a versatile delight that never fails to satisfy.

Join us on this flavorful journey and learn how to master the art of making Jeera Rice—a dish that’s simple to cook yet rich in taste, aroma, and nostalgia. Let Nitasplatter.com be your companion in creating culinary magic, one recipe at a time!

Ingredients for Fluffy Jeera Rice

Instructions for Cooking Jeera Rice

All Ingredients of Jeera Rice

Wash and Soak Rice

  1. Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for 20 minutes and drain the water.

Temper the Spices

  1. Heat ghee or oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. For extra flavor and fragrance, add a bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and star anise.

Cook the Rice

  1. Add the soaked rice to the pan and sauté it gently for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the grains are evenly coated with the fragrant ghee.

  2. Pour in 2 cups of water and add salt as per taste. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a boil. If needed, you can add a little more water to ensure the rice cooks perfectly.

  3. Reduce the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and let the rice cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed. Don’t stir the rice to keep the grains intact.

  4. Once the water is completely absorbed, turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes. Then, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains.

  5. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with your favorite curry, dal, or raita for a delicious meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 200kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g13%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 13mg5%
Sodium 800mg34%
Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
Protein 3g6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Notes

Pro Tips for Perfect Jeera Rice

  1. Use aged basmati rice for long, non-sticky grains.
  2. Adjust cumin seeds to your taste for a stronger or milder flavor.
  3. For a richer aroma, cook the rice in a mix of water and vegetable stock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
What is Jeera Rice?

Jeera Rice is a simple, flavorful Indian rice dish made with basmati rice, cumin seeds, and aromatic spices. It pairs perfectly with dal, curries, or raita and is loved for its fragrance and light texture.

How do you make perfect Jeera Rice?

To make perfect Jeera Rice, rinse basmati rice, sauté cumin seeds in ghee or oil, and cook the rice with water and salt. Ensure the water is fully absorbed and let it rest before fluffing with a fork.

What is the best rice for Jeera Rice?

Basmati rice is our top choice for Jeera Rice. Its light, fluffy texture and subtle aroma perfectly complement the cumin seeds, making it the ideal rice for this dish.

Can I make Jeera Rice without ghee?

Yes, you can make Jeera Rice without ghee. Use vegetable oil or olive oil as an alternative. However, ghee adds a rich flavor and aroma that enhances the taste of the dish.

How long does it take to cook Jeera Rice?

It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to cook Jeera Rice. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the rice type and method used, but generally, it takes 10-12 minutes once the rice is added to boiling water.

Can I add vegetables to Jeera Rice?

Yes, you can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to Jeera Rice to make it more nutritious and flavorful. Simply sauté the vegetables with the cumin seeds before adding the rice.

What can I serve with Jeera Rice?

Jeera Rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, including Indian curries, Dal Tadka, mutton curry, Chicken Curries or Vegetable Curries. It also goes wonderfully with raita or a simple salad.

Is Jeera Rice healthy?

Yes, Jeera Rice can be a healthy dish, especially when made with minimal oil or ghee. It’s a great source of carbohydrates and can be a lighter alternative to fried rice, especially when paired with protein-rich curries or lentils.

Can I prepare Jeera Rice in a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can make Jeera Rice in a pressure cooker. Occasionally, I also use a pressure cooker when I'm in a hurry because it cooks faster. Just follow the same steps mentioned here, but adjust the water and cooking time according to the pressure cooker.

What makes Jeera Rice different from plain rice?

Unlike plain rice, Jeera Rice is flavored with cumin seeds (jeera), which add an earthy, aromatic taste to the rice, making it more flavorful and appealing when paired with Indian dishes.

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pinit
Portrait of Nita, founder of Nita's Platter, smiling warmly in a professional setting, reflecting a passion for culinary arts and personalized service.

Nita Anand

A Food Blogger

Hey there! I’m Nita, the heart and soul behind Nita's Platter. By profession, I’m an HR professional, but my passion for cooking pulls me into the kitchen to create a beautiful mess where something delicious is always in the works. I believe food is more than just nourishment; it’s a way to connect, share stories, and create. 

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