Jeera rice
जीरा राइस
Cumin-tempered rice — the quiet plate that makes a gravy make sense.
Recipe by I Want Some Food · Reviewed by the editorial kitchen. Native name preserved: जीरा राइस.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Rest
- 20 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Spice
- No chilli
- Cost
- Cheap nightUnder $8 USD · indicative, not a store price
About
Jeera rice is basmati rinsed, tempered in ghee with cumin, then steamed. The grains should stay long and separate. It is a side. If it tastes only of water, you skipped the tadka or the salt.
What you'll need
6 ingredients. Tap each one once it's out on the bench.
Ingredients
Scaling multiplies the written quantities. Baking still prefers a scale.
Steps
Step 1
Soak rinsed rice 20 minutes. Drain.
20 min
Step 2
Heat ghee, crack cumin and bay. Add rice, toast 1 minute. Add water and salt. Simmer covered 12 minutes. Rest 10.
15 min
Nutrition
Per serving · estimate
- Calories
- 156 kcal
- Protein
- 2.8 g
- Carbs
- 22.4 g
- Fat
- 5.9 g
- Saturated fat
- 3.4 g
- Fibre
- 0.4 g
- Sugar
- 0.5 g
- Sodium
- 630 mg
Calculated from canonical ingredient data (USDA FoodData Central averages and equivalent published tables). Estimates only.
Allergens
Informational only. Not a medical guarantee. Cross-contamination happens in real kitchens.
- Milk
- Vegetarian
Adapt this recipe
The original recipe stays as it is. Personal versions are labelled. Serving changes are simple maths.
Adaptations · 0 / 15 used. Resets 13 November.
Substitutions
Basmati → Long-grain rice
Less perfume.
Tips
- A few whole peppercorns or a clove are a festive pot.
- Do not stir while it steams.
History & culture
North Indian restaurant tables and home thalis. The rice that sits next to dal and a masala.
Tempered rice is older than the restaurant name. Cumin is the spice people mean.
Traditional
Provenance: Editorial adaptation.
Questions about this recipe
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Jeera rice take?
50 min all in — 10 min prep, 20 min cook, 20 min rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 plates. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Milk. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian.
6 more questionsFewer questions
What does it cost to cook?
Cheap night — about Under $8 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Saucepan.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at ¾ tsp.
What can I use instead?
Basmati → Long-grain rice. Less perfume.
Any tips from this recipe?
A few whole peppercorns or a clove are a festive pot. Do not stir while it steams.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.
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