Zeera Rice OR Zeera Pulao(Cumin Rice)RECIPE

A classic simple rice dish that is truly the heart of Indian food! Zeera rice is an aromatic long-grain basmati rice dish which is slightly spiced with garam masala and flavours of cumin. Cumin seeds are commonly known as jeera or zeera in Hindi or Urdu language. Cumin/Zeera has natural medicinal value and works great on the digestive system. After Biryani, Zeera rice is one of the most popular rice dishes, and It is so flavourful and very easy to make. It is a vegetarian, one-pot, gluten-free rice dish with simple spices and a fluffy, nonsticky texture. Adding Dal Tadka to this makes a wholesome meal. Enjoy with papad or salad.

Table of contents

1. About the recipe

2. Ingredients

3. Step-by-step method

4. Tips

1. About the recipe 

There are many different ways to make this rice dish. I also love making this rice on the stovetop and instant pot. Depending on the time at hand, both methods are super easy and convenient. Here, I am sharing both ways.

Zeera rice is a fragrant rice dish made with basmati rice tempered with cumin seeds and whole spices in ghee. First, the whole spices and zeera are tempered in ghee. When the cumin seeds splutter, they release the aromatic flavour. Then add rice and cook for perfection. It goes very well with veg or non-veg curry or dal. Commonly, Basmati rice is used for this dish, but you can make it with normal rice. Here, I will share two different ways to prepare zeera rice.

Serving Suggestion: 4

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

2. Ingredients

• 2 cups of  Long Grain Basmati rice or normal rice
• 2 tbsp of ghee or 2 tbsp of refined oil
• 2 tbsp of cumin seeds( zeera)
• 1 cinnamon stick around 5cm
• 1 black cardamom 
•  2 green cardamom
•  2 cloves
•  salt

3. Step by Step method

Zeera rice in a pot or pan

• Rinse the rice 2 to 3 times until the water clears the starch. Soak the rice for 30 minutes.
• Put ghee and oil in a pot or pan ( you can make this rice using only ghee or refined oil). Add zeera, cinnamon stick, black cardamom, green cardamom, clove, and bay leaves. Saute for 1 minute.

• Now add 4 cups of water( Use the same cup for measuring rice and water) in a pan on a high flame.

• When the water starts boiling, add soaked rice and salt.
• Taste the saltiness of the water and adjust the salt according to the taste of the water. Now cover the pot or pan and cook on low flame. 

• After 15 minutes on low flame, your zeera rice is ready. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves at the time of serving.

Zeera rice in a Pressure cooker 

• In a pressure cooker, put ghee and refined oil; add cumin seeds( zeera), cinnamon stick, black cardamom, green cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves. Fry all the spices, no need to brown the chillies.
• Add soaked rice to the pressure cooker. Stir them and add the same amount of water as rice. Add salt according to your taste. Cover the lid and cook on high flame. After the first whistle, cook on low flame for 3 minutes. Stop cooking.
• Open the lid after 5 to 10 minutes; garnish with fresh coriander leaves and enjoy with your favourite curry or dal. It is one of those Indian side dishes that taste delicious with all types of gravies and curries.

4. Tips

• Always use good quality Basmati rice, which is the key to making fragrant zeera rice.
• Saute the zeera well for a few seconds in ghee on low flame for 2 to 3 minutes to bring out the aroma. Frying the spices elevates the flavour and aroma of the entire dish.
• Soak basmati rice in fresh water for at least 30 minutes.
• Use the correct water-rice ratio. Do not add water approximately. 2 cups water for 1 cup of rice in stove top cooking.
• Do not overcook the rice. In a pressure cooker, the zeera rice takes only 3 minutes after 1 whistle.