How To Cook Jeera Rice in an Instant Pot

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Do you know one magic key to oomph up any boring Indian meal? Replace the plain boiled rice with jeera rice. This fluffy, aromatic, and flavorful rice dish is a miracle in itself because it has the ability to taste great with absolutely any Indian curry or gravy. Jeera means cumin in Hindi, and so jeera rice is essentially cumin rice. Jeera rice is a recipe that is very easy and quick to make, but we are making it simpler by cooking it in an Instant Pot rather than a traditional wok or pateela. Instant Pot jeera rice takes a much shorter time to get ready without compromising on the classic, signature aroma. Without further ado, here is how to cook jeera rice in Instant Pot?

For most Indian people, jeera rice comes naturally to them. They wouldn’t even remember the first time they had this amazing dish, because most people in India grow up eating jeera rice. Every household has their own recipe for jeera rice, where some add only cumin seeds and salt, while others add bay leaf and cloves to give more depth to the flavor. Some people also add green chilies or fried onions on top as garnish, but again, it all depends on personal preference. Restaurant-style jeera rice is generally more complex, with multiple layers of flavor developed by whole Indian spices. While jeera rice is already quite a simple and quick recipe, I will try to make it simpler for beginners today with this Instant Pot jeera rice recipe. 

Ingredients For Jeera Rice in Instant Pot 

Rice

The long-grain basmati rice is the main ingredient of this recipe. It has a distinct nutty flavor and a delicate aroma that complements the other spices used in the dish. The texture of the rice becomes fluffy and light after cooking.

Water

Water is added to cook the rice and to give it the desired texture.

Salt

Salt enhances the flavor of the rice and balances out the other spices.

Ghee

Ghee is used to sauté the cumin seeds and other spices. It adds a rich buttery flavor to the rice and also helps in keeping the rice grains separate.

Whole Spices 

Cumin seeds are the star ingredient of this dish. They add a warm, earthy flavor to the rice and also have several health benefits. Cardamom pods have a sweet and spicy flavor that adds depth to the dish. They also have a pleasant aroma that infuses the rice. Cloves have a strong, pungent flavor and a warm aroma that complements the other spices in the dish. Bay leaf has a slightly bitter and herbal flavor that adds complexity to the dish. It also has a subtle aroma that enhances the overall flavor.

Green chilies (optional)

Green chilies add a subtle heat and a fresh flavor to the dish. They are optional and can be skipped if preferred.

Step By Step Recipe For Jeera Rice in Instant Pot

First, wash the basmati rice thoroughly in running water for 4 to 5 times or until the water turns clear. Drain and set it aside.

Next, press the Sauté button on the Instant Pot.

Once the display shows “Hot”, add ghee to it, followed by cumin seeds.

Let the cumin seeds splutter, then add bay leaf, sliced green chili, cloves, and green cardamom. Fry for a few seconds.

Then, add the washed basmati rice to the pot and stir it with the spices for 30 seconds.

After that, add water and salt to the pot and give it a quick stir.

Close the Instant Pot lid and press the “Manual/Pressure Cook” button. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes with the pressure valve in the sealing position.

Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 2 minutes, and then do a quick pressure release by turning the pressure valve to the venting position.

Open the lid of the Instant Pot and fluff the rice with a fork.

Finally, serve the Jeera Rice with your choice of curry or dal. Enjoy!

Note: If you want to make a larger quantity of rice, you can double or triple the recipe, but keep the rice to water ratio the same.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot Cumin Rice (Jeera Rice) is a versatile and delicious dish that can be served in many different ways. It is a perfect side dish for any Indian curry or dal. Additionally, it pairs well with vegetables and meat, making it an excellent choice for a complete meal. To add some variety and flavor, you can also serve Jeera Rice with some Raita (yogurt dip) and papad (crispy lentil crackers). For added aroma and freshness, garnish the Jeera Rice with some fresh coriander leaves (cilantro). If you like some extra heat, you can serve Jeera Rice with some spicy pickle or chutney on the side. Lastly, you can add some nuts, such as cashews or almonds, and raisins to the Jeera Rice to give it a crunchy texture and a touch of sweetness.

Storage Suggestions

To store the rice, start by letting it cool down to room temperature. Once it’s cool, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. To freeze the rice, divide it into smaller portions and store each portion in a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag. Be sure to label each container or bag with the date and name of the dish to avoid confusion later on. When you’re ready to use the stored Jeera rice, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. However, keep in mind that reheated rice may not have the same texture and flavor as freshly cooked rice, so it’s best to consume it within a few days of cooking.

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