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    Home » Recipes » Meal Type » Rice

    Posted on: Apr 11, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Instant Pot Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice)

    17 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Perfectly cooked Instant Pot Jeera Rice also known as Cumin Rice comes together in minutes. This versatile Indian rice dish is flavored with garam masala and aromatic spices and is served with any dal, lentil, curry, or sabzi.

    Instant Pot Jeera Rice Cumin Rice

    5 stars

    "Quick and easy Amazing delicious recipe."
    Nidhi


    Jump to:
    • What is Jeera Rice?
    • Mom's Jeera Rice
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Step by Step Instructions - How to make Instant Pot Jeera Rice recipe
    • Expert Tips to Make Perfect Cumin Rice
    • What to Serve with Cumin Rice
    • How to Store Jeera Rice
    • Variations
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Rice Recipes!
    • Recipe Card

    What is Jeera Rice?

    Jeera Rice (also called Zeera Rice) translates to Cumin Rice. This side dish is made in most Indian households and is served at almost all Indian restaurants. Jeera Rice goes perfectly with Indian curries such as Punjabi Chole, Punjabi Rajma, Dal Makhani, and Chicken Curry. And when you're in the mood for traditional dal chawal, make Toor Dal Tadka or Spinach Dal Fry along with this fragrant Jeera Rice.

    Jeera Rice is made with Indian Basmati Rice which is floral and aromatic. Basmati Rice is delicious on its own, however when flavored with whole cumin seeds, the flavor of this rice dish is elevated. 

    This failproof recipe uses an Instant Pot to make perfect Jeera Rice where each grain of rice is separated. You'll end up with the most deicious and fluffy cumin rice.


    Mom's Jeera Rice

    Everyone has their own way of making Jeera Rice which adds a unique touch to a widely popular dish. I first learned how to make Jeera Rice from my mom which was a lecture filled with what to do and what not to do lol.

    So what sets this Jeera Rice recipe apart from the rest?

    In addition to using cumin seeds, my mom adds a touch of garam masala powder which flavors the rice perfectly and adds a subtle brown color. This essentially is a shortcut to using a combination of whole spices which make up garam masala - cinnamon stick, bay leaf, peppercorns, and cloves.

    Additionally, my mom adds cardamom seeds (not just green cardamom pods) which are lightly crushed and added to the tempering. This adds a wonderful floral flavor.

    Instant Pot Cumin Rice

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    ✔️ Fragrant & Aromatic
    ✔️ Failproof recipe
    ✔️ Each grain of rice is separate
    ✔️ Easy to make
    ✔️ Made with Simple Ingredients
    ✔️ Perfect with any dal, lentil, curry, or sabzi
    ✔️ Vegan & Gluten-Free


    Ingredients

    Instant Pot Jeera Rice Ingredients
    • Basmati Rice: You'll need white aged basmati rice. You can easily find basmati white rice at the Indian grocery store or Amazon. Some brands I love - Tilda, Royal Basmati Rice, and Daawat.
    • Cumin Seeds: Jeera means cumin which is an essential ingredient in making Cumin Rice.
    • Garam Masala: You'll need ground Garam Masala which can be found at the Indian grocery store or Amazon.
    • Green Cardamom Pods: Make sure to open the cardamom pods and use the black seeds inside. This adds a lovely floral flavor.
    • Oil: Any flavorless oil will do.
    • Water: To wash and soak the rice. You'll also need water to cook the rice.
    • Salt

    Step by Step Instructions - How to make Instant Pot Jeera Rice recipe

    Prep

    1. Wash basmati rice 5-6 times until the water runs clear. Soak basmati rice for 15 minutes. Wash, drain, and set aside.

    Soak Basmati Rice

    Instant Pot Method

    1. Press Saute Mode on the Instant Pot, and wait for it to heat up. Once hot, add oil.

    2. Add cumin seeds. Saute for 15 seconds until they sizzle.

    3. Add garam masala and cardamom seeds. Saute for 30 seconds or so.

    4. Now add drained rice and saute for 2 minutes until lightly toasted.

    Instant Pot Jeera Rice steps 1-4

    5. Press Cancel on the Instant Pot. Add water and salt. Stir well.

    6. Close the Instant Pot. Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.

    7. Open the instant pot and you'll end up with perfectly cooked jeera rice like so.

    8. Here is a better view. Fluff with a fork and enjoy!

    Instant Pot Jeera Rice Steps 5-8

    Expert Tips to Make Perfect Cumin Rice

    • Wash the rice well. This removes excess starch and will prevent sticky rice.
    • Soak the rice for 15 minutes. Rinse and drain.
    • Don't skimp on the oil. Please add oil (or ghee if you prefer) as the recipe suggests when making Jeera Rice. This will ensure the rice is fluffy & moist, additionally, each grain of rice will be separated.
    • When adding rice to oil, saute for a couple of minutes until slightly toasty. Then hit Cancel mode on the Instant Pot.
    • Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes and then manually release it.

    Instant Pot Jeera Rice 1

    What to Serve with Cumin Rice

    Jeera Rice pairs beautifully with dal, lentils, curries, and sabzis.

    Here are some of my favorite Punjabi dishes to serve with Jeera Rice.

    • Punjabi Chole
    • Rajma Masala
    • Punjabi Kadhi
    • Dal Makhani
    • Coriander Chicken Curry
    • Instant Pot Toor Dal

    Additionally, you can also serve jeera rice with kachumber salad, papad, and some kind of achaar. It's pure bliss!


    How to Store Jeera Rice

    • Store Jeera Rice in a glass airtight container and refrigerate. Jeera Rice will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
    • When you're ready to use, sprinkle some water on top, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and microwave.
    • You can also freeze jeera rice in a Ziploc and microwave the rice when ready to use.

    Variations

    ✔️ You can add frozen green peas to Jeera Rice when you add the water. Then close the lid and cook using the Instant Pot Method.

    ✔️ Sliced onions can be added right after cooking the spices. Saute the onions until translucent or golden brown.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Is Cumin Rice vegan?

    Yes. This recipe is completely vegan.

    2. Is Jeera Rice gluten-free?

    Yes. This recipe is gluten-free.

    3. What other spices can I add to Jeera Rice?

    Feel free to add a bay leaf, cloves, and a few black peppercorns. You can add these whole spices along with the cardamom seeds.

    4. Do I have to wash the rice?

    Yes. I highly recommend it. Washing the rice will remove excess starch which will prevent the rice from sticking together.

    When rinsing rice, make sure you do so about 5-6 times. You'll notice towards the end the water will run slightly clear.

    5. Do I have to soak the rice?

    You don't have to, but I recommend it. I prefer softer rice without a bite, so I love soaking my rice for that perfect fluffy rice.

    6. Can I make Jeera Rice with ghee?

    Yes. Simply replace oil with ghee - same quantity. Keep in mind that once you add ghee, this recipe is no longer vegan.

    7. Which rice should I use for Cumin Rice?

    Use white basmati rice - it's the best!

    Here are some brands that I love - Tilda, Royal Basmati Rice, and Daawat.

    ​8. Can I make this dish with brown rice?

    Absolutely. For brown rice, the cooking time varies. Although I haven't tested this fully, you will likely have to cook the brown rice in the Instant Pot for roughly 22-24 minutes and increase the water amount.

    Instant Pot Jeera Cumin Rice 2

    More Rice Recipes!

    • Instant Pot Vegetable Pulao
    • Indo-Chinese Fried Rice
    • Thai Basil Fried Rice
    • Kale Cranberry Curry Wild Rice

    Tried this recipe? If so, please leave a comment & rate this recipe. That would mean so much to me. If you’re on Instagram, please tag me so I can see your creations. I'm happy to share and mention you. Thank you!


    Recipe Card

    Instant Pot Jeera Rice Cumin Rice

    Instant Pot Jeera Rice

    Vegan, Gluten-free
    Perfectly cooked Instant Pot Jeera Rice also known as Cumin Rice. This versatile Indian rice dish is flavored with onions and aromatic spices.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Sides
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 6 servings
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Calories: 194kcal
    Author: Nisha

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 1 ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
    • ¼ teaspoon garam masala
    • 2 cardamom seeds from cardamom pods, lightly crushed
    • 1 ½ cups uncooked basmati rice, washed, rinsed, drained
    • 1 ¾ cups water
    • ¾ teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    Prep

    • Wash basmati rice 5-6 times until the water runs clear. Soak basmati rice for 15 minutes. Wash, drain, and set aside.

    Instant Pot Method

    • Press SAUTE Mode on the Instant Pot, and wait for it to heat up. Once hot, add oil.
    • Add cumin seeds. Saute for 15 seconds until they sizzle.
    • Add garam masala and cardamom seeds. Saute for 30 seconds or so.
    • Now add drained rice and saute for 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
    • Press Cancel on the Instant Pot. Add water and salt. Stir well.
    • Close the Instant Pot. Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.
    • Open the instant pot and you'll end up with perfectly cooked jeera rice.
    • Here is a better view. Fluff with a fork and enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Wash & Soak the Rice - Make sure you wash the rice well, Then proceed to soak the rice for 15 minutes before cooking.
    Instant Pot Pressure - Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, and after that manually release the pressure.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 194kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 297mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Basmati Rice, Cumin Rice, Instant Pot Jeera Rice, jeera rice
    Tried this recipe?Mention @honeywhatscooking or tag #honeywhatscooking!
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    1. Nidhi says

      December 22, 2021 at 4:35 am

      5 stars
      Quick and easy Amazing delicious recipe

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Nisha! I'm a foodie who is passionate about healthy-ish living and mindful eating. You'll find a little bit of everything here. I use mostly organic real ingredients and incorporate seasonal produce in my cooking. I believe food is medicine. Come join me on this soul-searching journey as I share my love for good food, and I hope somewhere along the way, I inspire you to eat better.

    More about me →


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