Instant Pot Jeera Rice Cumin Rice Recipe

This recipe is my go-to because it transforms simple basmati rice into a flavorful dish with minimal effort, thanks to the Instant Pot magic and aromatic spices. Plus, the flexibility to add optional ingredients like onions, cardamom, and cilantro means I can customize it to perfectly suit my mood or the occasion.

I love creating uncomplicated but scrumptious dishes, and one of my all-time favorites is—go figure!—Jeera Rice. Jeera, or cumin, is one of my favorite aromatic spices, and it happens to go oh-so-well with basmati rice, one of the best kinds of rice out there.

Add a little ghee (or a bit of oil) and optional spices like cardamom or cinnamon, and you have the perfect side dish to serve with just about any curry.

Ingredients

Basmati Rice: Rice long in grain; rice low in fat; rice high in carbohydrates.

Healthy fats and richness come from ghee or oil.

Cumin Seeds: Fragrant spice, helps digestion, lends earthy taste.

Onion: Contributes sweetness and depth, is replete with antioxidants.

Pods of Cardamom: Aids in digestion, is a fragrant spice, and has a slight sweetness.

Cinnamon Stick: A warm spice with anti-inflammatory properties that adds sweetness.

Cilantro: Fresh garnish, detoxifying, vibrant flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 green cardamom pods (optional)
• 1-inch cinnamon stick (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash the basmati rice with cold water until it runs clear. Then, soak it for 15-20 minutes and drain.

2. Change the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Put the ghee or oil in the pot, and heat.

3. Sauté the cumin seeds for 30 seconds until they start crackling.

4. When using, first add the onion, which should be finely chopped, along with a stick of cinnamon and some cardamom pods. These should all be sautéed together until the onion is transparent.

5. Combine the drained rice and the pot. Stir gently to coat the rice with the ghee and spices.

6. Add salt to taste, then pour 2 cups of water into the mixture.

7. Shut the Instant Pot lid and place the valve in the ‘Sealing’ position.

8. Set for ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ and cook at high pressure for 5 minutes.

9. After the cooking cycle is done, allow the pressure to drop naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release for the rest of the pressure.

10. Gently fluff the rice with a fork, serve it hot, and garnish it with fresh cilantro, if desired. This is how to serve up rice in a way that’s not just technically correct but also undeniably delicious.

Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot
2. Sauté function (on Instant Pot)
3. Measuring cup (1 cup and 2 cups)
4. Measuring spoons (tablespoon and teaspoon)
5. Strainer or fine mesh sieve
6. Mixing spoon
7. Cutting board
8. Knife
9. Fork (for fluffing rice)

FAQ

• Can I use regular long-grain rice instead of basmati?Yes, basmati rice is the type that gives the best flavor and texture for jeera rice. But if you’re going to use a different variety of rice, just adjust the cooking time and the water as needed. (This is a good opportunity to use up some of that other rice in your pantry, if you have some.)
• Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?Certainly! It is possible to prepare jeera rice using the stovetop method, which requires a covered pot. The covered pot might slightly alter the cooking time.
• Is it necessary to soak the rice before cooking?Basmati rice can be soaked for 15-20 minutes to help it cook unevenly and to improve its aroma. This step can be skipped if you’re pressed for time.
• Can I add vegetables to this recipe?Indeed, you have the option to enrich the nutritional profile and bolster the taste by incorporating peas, carrots, or other vegetables into the mix.
• How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?Wash the rice until the water runs clear to remove the excess starch—this is what helps prevent mushiness. Use the correct rice-to-water ratio.
• What can I serve with jeera rice?Jeera rice is adaptable and goes well with any sort of curry, lentil dish, or yogurt-based meal.

Substitutions and Variations

1 tablespoon ghee or oil: Use butter or olive oil instead.
1 teaspoon cumin seeds: Substitute with 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
2 cups water: Use 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth instead, for a more flavorful base.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: Substitute with shallots or leeks for a milder flavor.
Green Cardamom Pods, 2: Substitute with a pinch of ground cardamom or a small bay leaf.

Pro Tips

1. Rinse and Soak Properly Always rinse the basmati rice multiple times until the water runs clear, which removes excess starch and helps achieve fluffy, non-sticky rice. Soaking the rice for 15-20 minutes is crucial, as this allows the grains to expand and cook evenly.

2. Toast the Spices When sautéing the cumin seeds, ensure they are lightly toasted until they release their aroma. This step enhances the flavor of the rice by infusing it with the rich aroma of the spices right from the start.

3. Perfect Rice-to-Water Ratio Keep the rice-to-water ratio to 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water for perfectly cooked basmati rice in the Instant Pot. This ratio helps achieve the right texture without making the rice too mushy.

4. Natural Pressure Release Allowing the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release ensures that the rice is cooked completely and becomes fluffy without breaking the grains.

5. Fluff, Don’t Overmix When fluffing the rice with a fork, be gentle to avoid breaking the grains. Overmixing can result in mushy rice, so fluff lightly to preserve the texture.