Jeera Rice Recipe

Here’s a classic recipe for Punjabi-Style Jeera Rice, a fragrant and flavorful dish that’s simple to make and pairs beautifully with dals, curries, or raita.

Ingredients

For the Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Tempering:

• 2 tablespoons ghee or butter (or oil)
• 1½ teaspoons cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 green cardamoms
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 4-5 black peppercorns (optional)
• 1 green chili (slit, optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

1. Rinse basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. Soak the rice in water for 20-30 minutes, then drain.
3. In a pot, boil 2 cups of water with 1 teaspoon salt.
4. Add the soaked and drained rice. Cook on medium heat until the rice is tender but not mushy (about 10-12 minutes).
5. Drain any excess water and let the rice cool slightly, fluffing it with a fork.

2. Prepare the Tempering

1. Heat ghee or butter in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds.
3. Add bay leaf, cardamoms, cinnamon stick, and black peppercorns. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. (Optional) Add the slit green chili and sauté for an extra kick of spice.

3. Combine the Rice and Tempering

1. Gently add the cooked rice to the pan with the tempering.
2. Mix gently to coat the rice with the fragrant spices without breaking the grains.
3. Cook for 1-2 minutes on low heat to blend the flavors.

4. Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
2. Serve hot with dal makhani, butter chicken, paneer curry, or raita.

Pro Tips

• Basmati Rice: For the best results, use long-grain basmati rice for its aroma and non-sticky texture.
• Ghee: Ghee enhances the flavor of the dish and gives it an authentic Punjabi touch.
• Whole Spices: Adjust the quantity of whole spices based on your preference.

Enjoy the aromatic and flavorful Punjabi-Style Jeera Rice as a perfect side dish for your Indian meals!

Experience a delightful array of flavorful Punjabi recipes expertly crafted by our skilled chefs at our locations on Church Street and New Bel Road. Indulge in authentic dishes that showcase the rich culinary heritage of Punjab, perfect for satisfying your cravings.