Indian cuisine · Dough, Pasta & Rice

Jeera Rice

Fluffy basmati rice with cumin toasted in ghee, the classic side dish for any curry.

Ingredients · for 4 servings

• 300 g basmati rice
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 tbsp ghee
• 1/2 bunch coriander
• Salt

Instructions

1. Wash the basmati rice in cold water until it runs clear, then soak for 20 min. and drain completely in a sieve.
2. Melt ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, lightly crush the cardamom pods and toast with the bay leaf and cinnamon stick for 30 sec.
3. Add the cumin seeds and toast for 20–30 sec. until they start to crackle and turn dark brown – they must not turn black or the rice will taste bitter.
4. Add the drained rice and gently stir for 2 min. until every grain is coated in ghee and slightly translucent.
5. Pour in 550 ml hot water, season with salt, bring to a boil once and cook covered over the lowest heat for 12 min. until the liquid is fully absorbed.
6. Remove the pot from the heat, let rest covered for 5 min., fluff the rice with a fork and serve sprinkled with chopped coriander as a side.