Jeera Rice
This Indian side builds basmati rice, ghee and green cardamom pods into an easy meal you can have ready in about 60 minutes. Below: the ingredients split into pantry staples and a quick shopping list, a built-in serving scaler, and the method in 6 steps.
You'll mainly reach for frying pan / skillet and pan. At medium difficulty across 6 steps, it's manageable with a little attention. As written, it's meat-free.
What you'll need
Shopping list (5)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
🔁 Unit converter
How to make it
- Rinse the basmati rice in several changes of cold water until it runs clear, then soak it for 20 to 30 minutes and drain well.
- Heat the ghee in a heavy pan over medium heat and add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon, frying for about 30 seconds until the cumin sizzles and turns fragrant.
- Tip in the drained rice and stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes to coat every grain in the spiced ghee without breaking them.
- Pour in the water and salt, bring to a brisk boil, then lower the heat to a bare simmer and cover tightly.
- Cook undisturbed for 12 to 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the grains are tender but separate, then remove from the heat and rest covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork, fold through the chopped coriander and serve hot alongside dal or curry.
You'll use: Frying pan / skillet · Pan · Saucepan
What to serve with Jeera Rice
- Aloo Gobi Vegan
- Butter Chicken Chicken
- Chana Masala Vegan
- Dal Tadka Vegetarian
Tips & common questions
How long does Jeera Rice take to make?
About 60 minutes from start to finish — an estimate based on the 6 steps and 10 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes — use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
Is Jeera Rice vegetarian?
Its ingredients contain no meat or fish, so it's suitable for vegetarians. Check any cheeses for animal rennet if that matters to you.
Related recipes
Jeera Rice is an original Indian recipe developed in-house by Consomee. Photo: Jeera rice.jpg by Marajozkee, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. We add the serving scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure on top — how we source recipes.