If you're planning to make Indian curry, consider elevating your meal by preparing a special rice dish. Cumin rice (jeera rice) is both rich and aromatic, and it's quite simple to make. Adding ghee will enhance its moisture and flavor. Below, we'll guide you through making cumin rice traditionally in a pot, as well as using a rice cooker.
【Ingredients】
- Basmati rice (Indian rice) – 2 cups
- Water – 2 cups (if making in a pot) / Follow rice cooker standards (if using a rice cooker)
- ★ Ghee – 1 tablespoon
- ★ Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
- ★ Cinnamon stick – 1 piece
- ★ Whole cumin – 1 teaspoon
- ★ Bay leaves – 2 pieces
- ★ Brown cardamom – 1 piece
- ★ Green cardamom – 1 piece
【How to make】
Traditional Method Using a Pot
1. Lightly wash the rice and soak it in 2 cups of water for about 30 minutes.
2. Add ghee to a frying pan and fry the spices marked with ★ on low heat for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Note: Keep the heat low to avoid burning the spices. The goal is for the spices to bubble slightly and dance in the oil. Ensure you use the full amount of ghee to fully transfer the spice aroma to the oil, enhancing the flavor of the cumin rice.
3. Transfer the water in which the rice was soaked to another pot. Add the stir-fried spices, ghee, and salt.
4. Cook uncovered on medium heat for about 10 minutes. When most of the water has evaporated, turn off the heat, cover, and let it steam for about 10 minutes.
Note: If the rice is soaked for about 1 hour, it will take approximately 5-7 minutes to cook.
Using a Rice Cooker
- Follow the steps for washing and soaking the rice as described above.
- Prepare the spices as indicated in step 2 of the traditional method.
- Place the washed rice, prepared spices, and ghee in the rice cooker. Add salt.
- Cook the rice according to the rice cooker's instructions, using the amount of water recommended for the rice cooker.
