Jeera Rice with a Twist

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) basmati rice 1 cup (200g) basmati rice
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cardamom pods, lightly crushed 2 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 200 kcal / 836 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 0g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a large saucepan, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the cumin seeds and sauté until they sizzle and release their aroma.
4. 4.
   Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and turmeric powder. Stir for a minute to toast the spices.
5. 5.
   Add the drained basmati rice to the pan and stir well to coat the grains with the spices.
6. 6.
   Pour in the water and season with salt. Bring to a boil.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
9. 9.
   Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro and mint leaves before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains.
• Cumin seeds — Toast the cumin seeds in the ghee or oil until they release their aroma for enhanced flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of saffron strands soaked in warm milk to the rice before cooking.
• To make the rice more aromatic, add a few whole cloves or bay leaves to the tempering spices.
• For a healthier version, substitute ghee with olive oil or coconut oil.
• Customize the spice level by adding green chilies or red chili powder according to your preference.
• Leftover Jeera Rice can be transformed into delicious fried rice by adding vegetables and soy sauce.

Serving advice

Serve Jeera Rice hot as a side dish with your favorite Indian curries, dals, or grilled meats. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a flavorful and comforting main course.

Presentation advice

Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to showcase the separate grains. Garnish with fresh cilantro and mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.