Jeera Rice, rice cooked in Desi Ghee with Cumin and aromatic Indian Spices. Instant Pot and Pressure Cooker Method.

 

The dish got its name as the rice is richly flavoured with cumin seeds/jeera that are added to hot oil. It goes very well with Indian curries and dals. The rice is specially prepared on special occasions when guests arrive as a side with rich gravies and dals. Want a change from your regular Rice.. make this flavourful Jeera rice. It is also served in many Indian restaurants(in US) as complimentary dish to curries and dals.

As a kid I used to love Jeera rice more than the steamed rice. Mom usually made it along with Chole Masala and curries like egg curry, aloo dum or kale chane, whenever had guests at home. My kids like to have this with Chole Masala or Kale Chane curry.

How is Jeera Rice prepared

Jeera rice is commonly prepared in open pans and in pressure cooker. It can also be prepared with steamed rice leftover rice to make it more fragrant. Many people do not like to have a day old leftover steamed rice especially the elders in family as they believe as per ayurveda as it is not good to consume as it creates air imbalance in body. So rice is tempered with ghee and jeera/cumin seeds.

Can we cook Jeera Rice in Instant Pot..

Yes absolutely, we can cook Jeera rice in Instant pot and it is very easy too. All you have to do is cook rice, set the timer and then you can finish off your other chores.

Cumin seeds Benefits..

Cumin seeds and other while spices along with making a dish flavourful also enhances digestion. Cumin seeds are an important part of Indian cooking and are good for weight loss. These help to flush out toxins from the body and also have stress busting properties. You can refer to any good Ayurvedic resource to know more about Jeera/Cumin.

Just a few pointers to keep in mind and you can make perfect Jeera rice with each grain well cooked and separate. No one likes a mushy Jeera Rice.

• A good quality basmati rice is a must. On using other quality rice, can't comment on it as I have not used any other than basmati rice.
• Wash rice 2-3 times and soak it for at least 30 minutes before preparing it.
• Water to rice ratio is very important. While cooking in pressure cooker or Instant pot, add 1 and 1/4 cup of water as to 1 Cup of Rice.
• Use Desi Ghee.. Though adding desi ghee is not compulsory but it enhances the flavour of basmati rice. Also, the grains cook well and do not stick to each other.
• Stick to the cooking time as per the quality of the rice you use.

Let's see how I cook this fragrant Jeera Rice..

This post covers the Pressure Cooker, Instant Pot method..

To cook Jeera rice in Pressure cooker on stove-top..

Keep pressure cooker on medium flame, heat desi ghee or oil. Saute cumin seeds and other whole spices in desi ghee/oil, until fragrant, then add rice and water. The rice to water ratio should be 1: 1¼ . Cover the lid and cook rice on medium flame for 2 whistles. Let the pressure go on its own. Open the cover and lightly fluff rice with fork. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro/coriander leaves.

Recipe Card for Jeera Rice in Pressure Cooker

To cook Jeera Rice in Instant Pot..

Switch on the SAUTE Mode of Instant Pot. Add ghee/oil to inner pot.When the display shows hot, add cumin seeds and other whole spices, and sauté for 1 minute. Next add rice and water. The rice to water ratio should be 1: 1¼ . Cancel the sauté mode and set the pressure cook mode on. Set the timer for 5 minutes on high. When the timer goes off wait for a minute the do manual QPR(quick Pressure release). Fluff lightly with fork or spoon.Serve hot, garnish with finely chopped fresh cilantro or coriander leaves(optional).

Recipe Card for Jeera Rice in Instant Pot

 

So next time, do make it with dals or curries not only for special occasions but also when you want some change from your regular steamed rice.

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This is 10th in my series of A-Z Biryani/Pulao/Khichdi dishes, that I am taking to Mega Blogging Marathon April'19.

Day 10th. J.. Jeera Rice

This is an event where I along with a group of fellow bloggers are blogging everyday about Biryani/Pulao/Khichdi dishes this whole April, with Sundays off.

My earlier posts for the event..

Day 1. A.. Aloo Matar Ki Tehri

Day 2. B..Broccoli Mushroom Pulao

Day 3 . C..Chana Dal Khichdi

Day 4. D..Dhaniya Pulao

Day 5. E.. Easy Steamed Rice in Instant Pot with Pot in Pot Method

Day 6. F.. Fresh Mint and Peas Pulao

Day 7. G.. Gatte Ka Pulao

Day 8. H.. Hari Moong Dal Khichdi

Day 9. I.. Iyengar Puliyogare(Instant)

Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM#99