Olivia Carter
If you love Indian cuisine, you must have tried different types of rice dishes. One such popular dish is Jeera Rice, also known as cumin rice. It is a simple yet delicious rice dish that is made by cooking basmati rice with cumin seeds.
In this article, we will guide you on how to make Jeera Rice in a pressure cooker, following the recipe by renowned Indian chef Sanjeev Kapoor. This method ensures that each grain of rice is perfectly cooked and infused with the aromatic flavors of cumin.
To make Jeera Rice in a pressure cooker, you will need a few basic ingredients such as basmati rice, cumin seeds, ghee or oil, and some spices. The pressure cooker helps to lock in the flavors and cook the rice quickly, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply want to enjoy a flavorful rice dish, Jeera Rice is a perfect choice. Follow the step-by-step instructions below and impress your family and friends with this delectable dish.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Jeera Rice in Pressure Cooker
Step 1: Measure one cup of basmati rice and rinse it thoroughly under running water to remove any excess starch. Drain the water and set the rice aside.
Step 2: Heat a pressure cooker over medium heat and add two tablespoons of ghee or clarified butter. Allow it to melt.
Step 3: Once the ghee is melted, add one teaspoon of cumin seeds (jeera) and allow them to crackle. Stir them continuously to prevent burning.
Step 4: Add one small finely chopped onion to the pressure cooker and sauté until it becomes translucent and golden brown. This step is optional, but it adds flavor to the rice.
Step 5: At this point, add the drained rice to the cooker and gently mix it with the onions and cumin seeds. Sauté the rice for a couple of minutes to coat it evenly with the ghee.
Step 6: Pour two cups of water into the pressure cooker, along with salt to taste. Give everything a quick stir to combine.
Step 7: Close the pressure cooker with its lid and cook the rice on medium heat until you hear two whistles. This indicates that the rice has reached the desired consistency.
Step 8: Once the whistles are heard, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. Do not rush this step, as it allows the rice to cook further in its own steam.
Step 9: After the pressure has released, carefully open the lid of the pressure cooker. Fluff the rice gently using a fork to separate the grains.
Step 10: Jeera rice is now ready to be served hot. Garnish it with some freshly chopped coriander leaves for added freshness and flavor.
Enjoy the aromatic and flavorful jeera rice as a perfect accompaniment to your favorite curries or as a standalone dish. This simple and quick recipe will surely impress your family and friends!
Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start making jeera rice in a pressure cooker, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready.
Here is what you will need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Basmati rice | 1 cup |
| Cumin seeds (jeera) | 1 tablespoon |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
Make sure the basmati rice is rinsed well before using to remove any impurities. Also, measure the ingredients accurately for the best results.
Heat the Pressure Cooker and Add Ghee
To make jeera rice in a pressure cooker, start by heating the cooker on medium heat. Then, add 2 tablespoons of ghee to the cooker. Ghee is clarified butter and will give the rice a rich and delicious flavor.
Allow the ghee to melt completely and heat up in the cooker. Ghee has a high smoke point, which means it can handle high temperatures without burning. This will help in achieving the perfect taste and texture for the jeera rice.
Once the ghee is hot and melted, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds (jeera) to the cooker. The cumin seeds will sizzle and release their aroma when added to the hot ghee.
Why Use Ghee and Cumin Seeds?
Ghee is commonly used in Indian cooking and adds a rich, nutty flavor to dishes. It also has a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking at high temperatures.
Cumin seeds, also known as jeera, are commonly used in Indian cuisine for their aromatic and earthy flavor. They add a unique taste to the rice and are a key ingredient in jeera rice.
Alternative Options
If you don’t have ghee, you can also use vegetable oil or butter as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the dish may vary slightly.
Similarly, if you don’t have cumin seeds, you can use cumin powder instead. However, whole cumin seeds are preferred as they provide a stronger and more authentic flavor.
Once you have added the ghee and cumin seeds to the cooker, move on to the next step of making jeera rice in a pressure cooker.
Add Jeera and Fragrant Spices
In a pressure cooker, heat some ghee or oil over medium heat. Once heated, add a teaspoon of cumin seeds (jeera) and let them sizzle.
Tip: Cumin seeds are an essential ingredient in jeera rice as they give a distinct flavor to the dish.
Next, add in fragrant spices such as whole cloves, green cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves. These spices will add a wonderful aroma to the rice.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can skip adding the whole spices or adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.
Saute the jeera and fragrant spices for a minute or until they release their flavors and become aromatic.
Note: Be careful not to burn the spices as it can give a bitter taste to the rice.
By adding jeera and fragrant spices, you are enhancing the flavors of the rice and creating a rich and aromatic base for your jeera rice dish.
Add Rice and Water, Cook in Pressure
To make Jeera Rice in a pressure cooker, follow these steps:
- Measure and wash 1 cup of basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
- Drain the rice and keep it aside.
- In a pressure cooker, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them crackle.
- Add 1 bay leaf, 2 cloves, 2 green cardamoms, and 1-inch cinnamon stick. Stir for a few seconds.
- Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute.
- Add the drained rice to the cooker and mix well with the spices.
- Add 2 cups of water and season with salt according to taste.
- Close the pressure cooker with the lid and put the weight on.
- Cook the rice on high heat until the first whistle, then lower the heat to medium and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
- Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Your flavorful Jeera Rice is now ready to be served.
Enjoy this delicious and aromatic Jeera Rice with your favorite curry or gravy dish.
FAQ
What is jeera rice?
Jeera rice is a Indian dish made with basmati rice cooked in ghee (clarified butter) and flavored with cumin seeds.
Can I make jeera rice in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can make jeera rice in a pressure cooker. It is a quick and easy way to cook the rice.
