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Home » Easy Vegetarian Rice, Noodles and Bread Recipes

Published: Jun 17, 2021 · Modified: Feb 23, 2024 by Padma Kumar

Stovetop Jeera Rice: Easy Indian Cumin Rice Recipe

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Jeera rice is a popular Indian rice dish that is naturally gluten-free and has the goodness of ghee, fragrant cumin, and Basmati. Learn to make this easy dish, perfect and fluffy, every time whether you make it on the stovetop or in the pressure cooker.

YouTube video

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I am so excited to share this easy recipe with you! My daughters have grown up eating it and even today (they are not so little anymore), Indian cumin rice, or jeera rice as we call it at home, is their top favorite comfort food!

This recipe can be a great addition to your 'baby dinner ideas' list, without a doubt. Check out the section below to see how you can adapt this recipe for your toddler.

The trick to getting the perfectly fluffy rice every time is to get the rice water ratio and a few other things right. Master these tricks and you will make it perfect, blindfolded .

If you are a fan of intense cumin flavor, then do try this jeera aloo recipe post.

This post includes helpful tips, but if you're in a hurry, use the "Jump to Recipe" or section links to skip ahead.

Jump to:
  • Allergens Free Labels
  • A note about this dish
  • Recipe Overview
  • Tips for cooking basmati perfectly
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Serving, storage and reheating
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Comments

Allergens Free Labels

In addition to being naturally gluten free, this recipe is also free of:

  • alliums
  • soy
  • nuts

It also does not have any mustard and tomatoes.

You can make it vegan by swapping the ghee with an oil of your choice.

Cooked cumin rice is being served in a round stainless steel bowl on a white patterned background.

A note about this dish

Cumin or jeera in Hindi has many health benefits. It is a great aid in gut health and an immunity-boosting spice in Indian cooking.

I use this spice a lot in my cooking, in whole, roasted, and ground form. For example, the cumin powder and the coriander powder add a depth of flavor to this spicy couscous recipe. The whole cumin seeds add a great texture to this tangy yellow lentil soup. This curry powder substitute has roasted cumin and other warming spices.

In this fragrant jeera rice, cumin is the hero of the dish, of course. I have used both whole seeds and roasted cumin for more depth of flavor.

This dish is also called jeera pulao, jeera chawal or zeera pulao.

You can make this dish in two ways - the way that I have in this post or with leftover rice. See the section below for a quick explanation of how to make that version.

Which rice is best for jeera rice?

Basmati is the best rice for jeera rice.

The fragrance of Indian Basmati rice, along with the aroma of ghee and jeera, makes this dish iconic and deeply comforting. You can use any other long grain or regular white rice of your choice, but make sure it is not a sticky variety.

Making it with leftover rice: Add the cooked rice to the cumin, add salt and toss it well. Fry it all in the pan for a few minutes until the rice is warm. The ingredients from the list below that you will not require are water and lime juice. 

Making it for your baby/ toddler: If making this recipe for your kid, just swap the whole cumin seeds for the same quantity of cumin powder. The rest of the process is the same as explained below.

Recipe Overview

Flavor: This dish is known for its mild flavors. Aromatic Basmati carries the earthy flavor of the cumin and the mellow warmth of the ghee. Some versions of this recipe add whole spices such as star anise, bay leaf, and cinnamon sticks, but I like the traditional version with simple ingredients: rice, cumin and ghee. One thing I would suggest here is not to skimp on the quantity of jeera. The finished dish should have the distinct flavor of cumin that you can smell from a distance🙂. I also under salt this dish on purpose because I always pair it with a curry or dal that have salt in them too.

Texture: The outcome of the dish depends on the type of rice you use. The crunchy cumin should contrast with the soft and fluffy grains and every grain of rice should be separate from each other and not sticky. The dish is moist when warm and a bit dry when cold. Check out the section below to learn how to reheat it.

Cumin rice cooked with the perfect water ratio that is fluffy and not mushy.

Aged Basmati works perfectly for this recipe because the long grains expand well when cooked and do not get mushy easily.

Ease: Although this recipe takes about an hour to make, most of the process is hands-off. This dish is easy to make with no complicated cooking techniques involved. If you are a beginner cook, just follow my detailed instructions and you will get the perfectly fluffy jeera rice every time!

Tips for cooking basmati perfectly

One of the main things about making perfect cumin rice or any other dish with basmati is to cook it right. Follow these simple steps:

  • wash the rice well until the water runs clear. This will wash off any white powdery stuff that can make the rice sticky.
  • soak the rice for at least 30 minutes and up to a maximum of 1 hour. This will speed up the cooking process by giving the rice a head start. Do not skip this step especially if you are using aged basmati.
  • Use a rice to water ratio of 1∶1.5 i.e., for 1 cup basmati rice you will need 1 and ½ cups water. This will give you perfectly cooked, fluffy grains of rice.
  • lower the heat to cook the rice after you have cooked it uncovered for a few minutes.
  • do not peek in. Opening the lid will make the steam escape and interfere with the cooking process. 
  • let it rest for at least 10 minutes before fluffing it up. This is my top tip for making fluffy cumin rice every time.

Now that you know the secret to cooking fluffy basmati, you can make just plain rice or any dish that you fancy - fried rice, vegetable pulao, or buttered rice - sky's the limit!

Ingredients

This easy recipe requires only 5 ingredients plus water and salt, of course.

Check the recipe card for quantities.

Ingredients such as rice, water, cumin seeds, salt, ghee, lime juice, and roasted cumin are placed in steel bowls and plates.

Rice: I use white Basmati for this recipe. You can use any other fragrant rice of your choice. Any other long grain, regular white rice or brown rice will also work, but check the package instructions for the rice water ratio. Also bear in mind that the cooking time will also vary. 

Ghee: The warm, mellow goodness of ghee gives this dish a comforting smoothness. If you are not a fan of ghee, use olive oil or any other oil of your choice.

Cumin: The recipe calls for whole cumin, but if you are not a fan of biting into the seeds, or if you are making this for your baby, you can use cumin powder instead. I like to add a little bhuna jeera, roasted cumin, at the end to add a more intense flavor. You can skip the roasted cumin.

Lime juice: This helps keep the rice grains white and bright. Skip it and your dish will still turn out good 🙂.

If you have any questions regarding these ingredients, feel free to ask in the comments section below and I will try my best to answer them for you.

Instructions

You can make this recipe in two ways: on the stovetop, by the absorption method, or in the pressure cooker (or an Instant Pot).

Also see the video at the end of the recipe card.

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients.

Soak the rice: Wash the rice in several changes of water until the water looks clear. Soak it in enough water for 30 minutes. Soaking helps it cook faster.

Uncooked white Basmati is soaking in some water in a round grey colored bowl.

Heat the water: To avoid slowing down the cooking process, add hot water to the rice.

Measure the rest of the ingredients and keep them ready.

Step 2: Make the jeera pulao by absorption method.

Heat ghee in a cooking pan on medium-high heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them darken in color and release their aroma.

If you are adding any other aromatic spices, then add them at this stage.

Whole cumin seeds are frying in some fat in stainless steel pan.

As the cumin fries, drain the rice. Make sure you drain out all of the water. Add the rice to the cumin and stir fry for a minute or two. This will coat the rice with the ghee and the jeera.

Basmati rice and whole cumin seeds are tossed together in a steel pan.

Then, add the hot water, salt, and lime juice.

Rice and zeera are immersed in some water in a saucepan.

Bring the water to a boil and cook the rice, uncovered for 2-3 minutes or until the water and the rice are almost at the same level.

Rice and jeera cooking in water. The water is boiling and being absorbed by the water.

Place the lid and cook on low heat for 6-7 minutes or until the water is completely absorbed.

Basmati rice with whole cumin that has been perfectly cooked.

Take the pan off the heat, remove the lid and add the bhuna jeera, if using.

Cooked rice with whole and powdered cumin are placed together in a pan.

Place a kitchen towel on the pan and put the lid back on the pan. Leave it for 10 minutes. The rice will cook some more and become fluffy in its own steam.

A red patterned white kitchen towel is covered by a round glass lid with a knob.

After resting for 10 minutes, remove the lid, take off the kitchen towel and gently fluff up the rice by sliding a spatula down the side of the pan. The rice will be very delicate at this stage, so be extra careful not to break the grains.

Perfectly cooked white rice with zeera that is ready to be served.

Serve warm with a side dish of your choice. See the section below for suggestions.

The pressure cooker method: To make this in the pressure cooker, follow the same process until adding the hot water, salt and lime juice.

Bring the water to a boil and then place the lid of the pressure cooker. Lock the valve and cook on high pressure for 5-6 minutes (2 "whistles" in a traditional pressure cooker).

Cumin and rice that has been cooked in a pressure cooker.

Allow the pressure to release naturally and then let it be, with the lid on for another 10 minutes.

Take the lid off, add the bhuna jeera, if using, and gently fluff the rice up to separate the grains.

YouTube video

And that's it! You have just learnt to make restaurant style aromatic jeera rice in 2 different ways, yay!

Perfectly cooked white rice with zeera that is ready to be served.

Serving, storage and reheating

Zeera rice is the perfect vehicle for Indian curries, dal, soup or stew. Here are some ways I enjoy it:

With a simple Bengali moong dal recipe or this aloo matar recipe for a soul-satisfying, allium-free lunch.

In a round grey colored bowl, some jeera rice is served yellow dal.

With this hefty mung bean dal, this chana dal fry or this kala chana and a salad on the side, for a hearty, gluten-free meal that will keep me going for hours 🙂.

My girls love it when I serve jeera rice with their favorite paneer dishes - either palak paneer or paneer butter masala and a raita. 

Storage: To store any leftovers, let it to cool down room temperature and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.

Reheating: As I mentioned earlier, this rice becomes quite dry when cold. It is best served warm, so that it is moist and soft. To reheat, put the quantity that you need in a microwave-safe container. Sprinkle a few drops of water and cover it with a kitchen or paper towel. Microwave on high until it is evenly warm.

Any doubts or questions? Feel free to ask via the comments below. I will try my best to answer them for you. - Padma

Frequently Asked Questions

What is jeera rice made of?

Jeera rice is made of rice, cumin, and ghee.
It is a simple and flavorful Indian rice dish that is cooked with whole cumin seeds and ghee. It is usually served with curries, dals, or other dishes. It is easy to make and has a mild and aromatic taste.

Is jeera rice good for you?

Jeera rice is good for you in moderation.
It is a nutritious and delicious dish that has the benefits of rice, cumin, and ghee. Rice provides carbohydrates and energy, cumin aids digestion and immunity, and ghee adds healthy fats and flavor. However, it should be consumed in moderation, as it is high in calories and carbs.

What is jeera rice?

Jeera rice is a rice dish with cumin and ghee.
It is a simple and flavorful Indian rice dish that is cooked with whole cumin seeds and ghee. It is easy to make and has a mild and aromatic taste and is usually served with curries, dals, or other dishes.

Is Jeera rice the same as Basmati?

Jeera rice is not the same as Basmati.
It is a dish made with Basmati rice, cumin seeds, and ghee. Basmati is a type of long-grained, fragrant rice that is used in many Indian dishes. Jeera rice is one of the ways to cook Basmati rice and add flavor and aroma to it.

Which jeera is used in jeera rice?

Jeera rice uses whole cumin seeds or jeera.
Jeera is the Hindi word for cumin, a spice that adds flavor and aroma to the rice. It is a simple dish that is cooked with whole cumin seeds and ghee or butter. Some people also use cumin powder or roasted cumin for more intensity.

If you like this recipe, please take a moment to leave a comment and a rating below. This will motivate me to create more good content for you! You can also engage with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. - Padma

📖 Recipe

A close up shot of jeera rice that is placed in a round steel bowl which is placed on a grey tabletop.
Padma Kumar

Stovetop Jeera Rice: Easy Indian Cumin Rice Recipe

5 from 66 votes
This gluten free jeera rice with the goodness of ghee, cumin and basmati rice pairs well with any dal or curry. It is a quick and easy recipe that requires very few ingredients.
If you are beginner cook, busy parent, or a student who is looking to make something simple and flavorful, this is the recipe for you.
In this recipe I will show you how to make it on the stovetop, in the absorption method, and in the pressure cooker (or an Instant Pot).
See the video below and step-by-step photos above.
Pin Recipe
Prep Time 35 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Resting Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Servings: 3
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 264

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Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Video Notes

Ingredients  

  • 1 tablespoon ghee, see notes
  • 1 tablespoon jeera (whole cumin)
  • 1 cup (190g) basmati rice, see notes
  • 1 and ½ cups water, plus more for soaking
  • ½ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon lime juice, optional, see notes
  • ½ teaspoon bhuna jeera (roasted cumin powder), optional

Equipment

  • 1 heavy bottomed casserole or wok with lid
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 bowl to soak the rice
  • 1 kitchen towel

Instructions
 

Prepare the ingredients
  • Soak the rice: Wash the rice in several changes of water until the water looks clear. Soak it in 2 and ½ cups of water for 30 minutes. Soaking the rice helps it cook faster.
  • Heat the water: To avoid slowing down the cooking process, add hot water to the rice.
  • Measure the rest of the ingredients and keep them ready.
Make the cumin rice by absorption method
  • Place the cooking pan on medium-high heat. Add ghee and when it is warm, add the whole cumin seeds. Let them darken in color and release their aroma.
    1 tablespoon jeera (whole cumin), 1 tablespoon ghee
  • As the jeera fries, drain the rice. Make sure you drain out all of the water. Add the rice to the cumin and stir fry for a minute or two. This will coat the rice with the ghee and the jeera.
    1 cup (190g) basmati rice
  • Then, add the hot water, salt, and lime juice. Bring the water to a boil and cook the rice, uncovered for 2-3 minutes or until the water and the rice are almost at the same level.
    1 and ½ cups water, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon lime juice
  • Lower the heat, place the lid and cook for 6-7 minutes or until the water is completely absorbed.
  • Take the pan off the heat, remove the lid and add the bhuna jeera, if using. Place a kitchen towel on the pan and put the lid back on the pan. Leave it for 10 minutes. The rice will cook some more and become fluffy in its own steam.
    ½ teaspoon bhuna jeera (roasted cumin powder)
  • After resting for 10 minutes, remove the lid, take off the kitchen towel and gently fluff up the rice by sliding a spatula down the side of the rice. The rice will be very delicate at this stage, so be extra careful not to break the grains.
Pressure Cooker method
  • Follow the same process until adding the hot water, salt and lime juice. Bring the water to a boil and then place the lid of the pressure cooker. Lock the valve and cook on high for 5-6 minutes (2 "whistles" in a traditional pressure cooker).
  • Allow the pressure to release naturally and then let it be, with the lid on for another 10 minutes. Take the lid off, add the bhuna jeera, if using, and gently fluff the rice up to separate the grains.
  • Serve warm with a side dish of your choice. See the section above for suggestions.

Nutrition

Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 48.4g | Protein: 4.7g | Fat: 5.8g | Saturated Fat: 2.9g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 391mg | Potassium: 38mg | Fiber: 1.7g | Sugar: 0.1g | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 2mg
Disclosure

The nutritional information is calculated using an online calculator and is based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionists' advice. Changing the quantities and cooking technique will alter the nutritional calculations.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

Allergens Free Labels: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. It is also nut-, soy-, and allium-free. This recipe has no tomatoes. 
Rice: I used Basmati rice for this recipe. If you do not have Basmati, feel free to use any other long grain, not sticky rice. 
Ghee: The warm, mellow goodness of ghee is what gives this recipe a comforting smoothness. To make it vegan, simply swap the ghee with your favorite oil. 
Role of lime juice: Lime juice helps keep the rice grains white and bright. 
Cumin: The recipe calls for whole cumin but if you are not a fan of biting into the seeds, or if you are making this for your baby, you can use cumin powder instead. I like to add a little bhuna jeera at the end to bring a more intense flavor to the dish. 
Make this with leftover rice: Add the cooked rice to the cumin, add salt and toss it well. Fry it all in the pan for a few minutes until the rice is warm. The ingredients from the list above that you will not require are water and lime juice. 
Scaling the recipe

Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only.

Allergens Disclaimer

Our content aims to be informative and educational, but it should not replace professional medical advice. Since manufacturing processes can vary and cross-contamination is possible, it's essential to verify product labels and allergen information. Make sure all ingredients align with your specific allergies. As readers, you bear the responsibility for ensuring allergen safety when buying or consuming foods.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amber Woodyard says

    April 16, 2024 at 8:26 pm

    5 stars
    This looks great! I'm visiting from FB. I love a great cumin rice! Check out my recipe for Bombay Nuts featured this week at The hungrymountaineer.com

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      April 18, 2024 at 4:02 pm

      Thank you Amber!

      Reply
  2. Elizabeth says

    March 22, 2024 at 7:21 pm

    5 stars
    Such a great comfort food! Loved learning about the health benefits as well. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      March 26, 2024 at 1:35 am

      Thank you Elizabeth. So glad that you found the information useful.

      Reply
  3. Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says

    March 22, 2024 at 6:52 pm

    5 stars
    This is a wonderfully delicious rice. I love the cumin in it. Just enough to create a flavorful dish without being overpowering. And pretty easy to make too!

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      March 26, 2024 at 1:34 am

      Thank you Helen. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight.

      Reply
  4. Katy Trott says

    March 21, 2024 at 5:33 pm

    Ooh, my family would LOVE this. It's always good to find recipes that pimp up rice and I love the idea of lime with it. Thank you for sharing.....

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      March 21, 2024 at 10:25 pm

      So happy that you find this interesting. Looking forward to you trying it for your family, Katy.

      Reply
  5. Alexandra says

    March 21, 2024 at 4:17 pm

    5 stars
    I love Basmati rice, and am always looking for new ways to use it. This recipe is delicious and flavoursome - the roasted cumin power is wonderful.

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      March 21, 2024 at 10:26 pm

      Thank you so much Alexandra!

      Reply
  6. Claudia Cristina Ciorteanu says

    March 21, 2024 at 12:14 pm

    5 stars
    Wow, your stovetop jeera rice looks absolutely delicious! 😍 I love how simple and flavorful Indian cuisine can be, and this recipe is no exception. Can't wait to add it to my dinner rotation! Thanks for sharing your easy and tasty recipe!

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      March 21, 2024 at 10:27 pm

      Yay, thank you so much Claudia.

      Reply
  7. Oscar says

    March 21, 2024 at 7:00 am

    5 stars
    Loved how fluffy the rice turned out. I made it with a chicken curry and the whole family loved. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      March 21, 2024 at 10:27 pm

      Thank you for you feedback Oscar. Happy to know that your family enjoyed it.

      Reply
  8. Trisha says

    March 20, 2024 at 11:21 pm

    5 stars
    There's something so special about passing down beloved family recipes, and it's heartwarming to hear that Indian cumin rice holds such a cherished place in your family's hearts.Thank you for sharing this easy yet incredibly flavorful recipe with us

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      March 21, 2024 at 10:28 pm

      Thank you for reading the recipe!

      Reply
5 from 66 votes (59 ratings without comment)

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Hi, I'm Padma! I am a passionate cook and can cook through any mood! My cooking is all about simple, healthy meals made with fresh ingredients and with a lot of love. As a mum and an early childhood educator, I deeply care about raising healthy eaters.

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