Perfectly cooked Instant Pot Jeera Rice also known as Cumin Rice. This versatile rice dish is flavored with onions and aromatic spices.
Jeera Rice with Onions is my favorite way to cook Basmati Rice. It pairs well with Punjabi Chole, Rajma Masala, Punjabi Kadhi, and pretty much any Indian curry.
What is Jeera Rice?
Jeera Rice is Indian Cumin Rice. Basmati rice is soaked and cooked with Indian spices and cooked in the Instant Pot. The end result is aromatic Cumin Rice that is perfectly cooked.
What makes my Jeera Rice slightly different?
Everyone has their own way of making Jeera Rice, and I learned how to make mine from my mom.
So what sets this Jeera Rice apart? For one, it has sauteed onions which is actually quite common. Second, instead of adding a bunch of whole spices, my mom adds a touch of garam masala which flavors the rice perfectly. Lastly, crushed cardamom makes a difference when making cumin rice.
Can I make this recipe vegan, gluten-free?
Jeera Rice is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Tips on making Cumin Rice:
- Soak the rice for 5-10 minutes. Rinse well and drain.
- Saute the spices and onions.
- Add rice and saute for a couple of minutes until toasty.
- Add water and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
Jeera Rice with Onions is:
Fragrant
Aromatic
Delicious
Perfect with any curry
Vegan
Gluten-free
How to make the perfect Instant Pot Jeera Rice recipe step by step?
Prep
1. Soak basmati rice for 5-10 minutes.
2. In the meantime, slice a large red onion.
3. Wash and drain. Set aside.
Cook
1. Press SAUTE on the Instant Pot, wait for it to heat up. Once hot, add oil, followed by a bay leaf, cumin seeds, crushed cardamom, and garam masala.
2. Saute for 30 seconds until you can smell the aroma.
3. Add onions and salt. Saute for 5 minutes until golden.
4. This is what you should have.
5. Add drained rice.
6. Saute the rice with the onions and spices for 1-2 minutes until toasted up. Press CANCEL.
7. Now add water to the rice. Using a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot to make sure there is nothing sticking to the pot.
8. This is what you should have.
9. Cover the Instant Pot. Press HIGH PRESSURE for 5 minutes. Naturally, release the rice for at least 15 minutes.
10. Once done, you have perfectly cooked Jeera Rice with onions.
Enjoy!

Recipes to make with Jeera Rice!
Instant Pot Jeera Rice
Vegan. Gluten-free.Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ¼ teaspoon garam masala
- 1 green cardamom pod, crushed
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 1 ½ cups uncooked basmati rice, washed, rinsed, drained
- 1 ¾ cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prep
- Soak basmati rice for 5-10 minutes.
- In the meantime, slice a large red onion.
- Wash and drain. Set aside.
Cook
- Press SAUTE on the Instant Pot, wait for it to heat up. Once hot, add oil, followed by a bay leaf, cumin seeds, crushed cardamom, and garam masala.
- Saute for 30 seconds until you can smell the aroma.
- Add onions and salt. Saute for 5 minutes until golden.
- This is what you should have.
- Add drained rice.
- Saute the rice with the onions and spices for 1-2 minutes until toasted up. Press CANCEL.
- Now add water to the rice. Using a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot to make sure there is nothing sticking to the pot.
- This is what you should have.
- Cover the Instant Pot. Press HIGH PRESSURE for 5 minutes. Naturally, release the rice for at least 15 minutes.
- Once done, you have perfectly cooked Jeera Rice with onions.
Nutrition
Nidhi says
Quick and easy Amazing delicious recipe