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Jeera Rice Recipe – Perfect Fluffy Cumin Rice Every Time

Fluffy Jeera Rice served with a side of flavorful Aloo Curry, garnished with fresh coriander.

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!

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

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
  • 1 cup basmati rice (Soaked for 20 minutes)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
  • 2 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
  • 1 small bay leaf (optional)
  • 2 Green cardamom pods (optional)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • 1 Star Anise (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions for Cooking Jeera Rice
    All Ingredients of Jeera Rice
  1. Ingredients for Jeera Rice: basmati rice, cumin seeds, ghee, and whole spices.
  2. Wash and Soak Rice
  3. Rinsing and soaking basmati rice for 20 minutes to prepare for Jeera Rice.

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

  4. Temper the Spices
  5. Heating ghee in a pan, adding cumin seeds, and tempering with bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and star anise for Jeera Rice

    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.

  6. Cook the Rice
  7. Sautéing soaked basmati rice in ghee for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the grains are evenly coated with fragrant spices for Jeera Rice.

    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.

  8. Pouring water into the pan, adding salt, and stirring gently to bring the Jeera Rice mixture to a boil.

    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.

  9. Covering the pan and cooking Jeera Rice on low heat for 10-12 minutes until the water is absorbed, keeping the grains intact.

    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.

  10. Letting Jeera Rice rest for 5 minutes, then fluffing with a fork to separate the grains.

    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.

  11. Garnished Jeera Rice with fresh coriander leaves in a bowl.

    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.
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. 

Thank You for Printing Our Recipe!

We truly appreciate you printing out our recipe! It means so much to us that you’re bringing our dish into your kitchen. We hope you enjoy cooking and savoring every bite. Happy cooking, and thanks for your support!

Best,
Nita Anand