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    Home » Instant Pot » Jeera Rice In The Instant Pot

    Published: Aug 23, 2020 · Modified: Aug 25, 2020 by Priya * This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jeera Rice In The Instant Pot

    Recipe Print
    one hand holding a small kadai filled with jeera rice while the other hand is digging in with a spoon and text at the top
    Jeera rice served in a bowl that's placed on a tray and text at the top

    Instant pot rice pilaf made with Basmati rice and cumin seeds is an aromatic Asian side dish. This classic recipe of jeera rice is delicious, quick, and easy.

    Jeera rice served in a bowl that's placed on a tray

    Table of Contents

    • Restaurant-style food at home
    • How to make Jeera Rice
    • Benefits of cumin
    • Why this recipe is a keeper
    • Here's how to make it
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Some recipes to pair it with
    • Jeera Rice In The Instant Pot

    Restaurant-style food at home

    If you have ever visited an Indian restaurant, you would have seen Jeera Rice on their menu!

    What is Jeera rice? Also known as Cumin Rice, is one of the most popular side dishes served at Indian restaurants and commonly prepared in Indian homes.

    Here, the rice is toasted and cooked with whole spices like cumin, cloves, and bay leaves.

    The rich aroma helps work up an appetite. You can pair it perfectly with curries or stews.

    It is also one of the easiest to make at home, thanks to the Instant Pot. Here are some recipes that can be made in the Instant Pot.

    How to make Jeera Rice

    Benefits of cumin

    One of the key ingredients in this recipe is cumin or jeera (in Hindi). It is a very common ingredient in Asian cooking. In fact, the Indian tempering or tadka almost always includes cumin seeds.

    It not just gives flavor to the dish, but it also has lots of medicinal properties.

    • Promotes digestion
    • Boosts immunity 
    • Helps in fighting the common cold
    • Has an anti-inflammatory effect
    • Contains antioxidants

    If you like making spice mixes at home, then check out this homemade cumin powder recipe.

    one hand holding a small kadai filled with jeera rice while the other hand is digging in with a spoon

    Why this recipe is a keeper

    Till the Instant pot came along, I used to always make this dish using leftover or precooked rice. Making rice dishes especially with basmati rice in the Instant Pot is such a breeze now.

    I don't have to worry about sticky or mushy rice. It is always perfectly cooked, just the way I want it. There are other reasons to make this recipe of jeera rice!

    • A great alternative to plain rice
    • An extremely aromatic and flavorful one-pot meal
    • Can easily be made vegan with just one swap - ghee
    • Cook time is just 4 minutes in the Instant Pot
    • No chopping or soaking of any sorts needed
    • It is naturally gluten-free
    all the ingredients needed to make jeera rice in the Instant pot placed in a tray with labels on them

    As you can see from the above image, you need very basic pantry staples to make this recipe of jeera rice. Also, since this is made in the Instant Pot, you need that too!

    One of the main ingredients to make the most flavorful Jeera rice is a good quality aged Basmati rice. And in the Instant pot, Basmati rice always cooks perfectly.

    You can either use the regular cumin seeds or jeera that is easily available in all the grocery stores or use shah jeera (caraway seeds). It is darker and tastes much sweeter than the normal jeera.

    Jeera Rice tastes the best when cooked in ghee. However, you can use (dairy or non-dairy) butter or any vegetable oil as well.

    Whole spices give this rice an earthy flavor and they lend a wonderful aroma to this simple side dish. If not all, add whatever of these you have handy.

    Here's how to make it

    You can view the above video to see how to make this Asian side dish or follow the recipe steps below.

    • Wash the rice a couple of times and keep it aside. No need to soak it in water.
    • Turn on the Instant pot in saute mode. Add ghee and once it melts, add cumin seeds, fry for 10 seconds.
    • Then add the slit green chilies, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, cloves, and peppercorns to the pot. Next, add the cashews and fry till they turn light golden.
    • Add the rinsed rice and saute for a couple of seconds. This step is important as it helps to ensure that you get separate grains when cooked.
    • Then add half of the chopped cilantro. Add salt, give it a good mix and cook for a minute.
    • Next add 2 ½ cups of water, mix, and turn off the Instant Pot.
    • Close the lid with the vent in the sealing position. Select pressure or manual mode and cook for 4 minutes. Release the pressure 5 minutes after the pot beeps.
    • Open and fluff the rice lightly using a fork. Garnish with cilantro.
    a bowl of Instant Pot jeera Rice placed next to a jar of ghee

    Serving Suggestions

    If you want, you can also add another tadka to vegan stew by frying some onions with chilly powder and green chilies.

    Serve Shahjahani dal with any Indian flatbread like roti, naan, chapati, or any bread. It also pairs very well with steamed rice.

    This Indian chickpea curry, coconut milk flavored is loaded with rich flavors. Serve them for weekend brunches, get-togethers, potlucks, etc.

    Serve this Indian Instant Pot Rice Pilaf warm. Drizzle some ghee on top before eating.

    The most popular combination is to serve Jeera Rice with Dal Tadka with some raita, pickle, and papad on the side.

    The other favorite combo is to serve it with Chana Masala. But you can pair this Asian side dish with any lentil stew or curry.

    Some recipes to pair it with

    • Instant Pot Chickpeas Potato Curry
    • Vegan Meatballs Kofta Curry
    • Cauliflower Tikka Masala
    • Dum Aloo
    • Black Eyed Peas Chili

    Always use good quality aged Basmati rice because they are less starchy. Need to wash the rice well but there is no need to soak it prior to cooking.

    Ensure that the rice is cooked al dente. The grains need to be separate and not become sticky. Don't add too much water while cooking it.

    If you don't have Basmati rice, you can also use regular rice or make this same recipe using cauliflower rice or alternate grains like quinoa, or brown rice. Just adjust the cooking time and water ratio accordingly.

    You can prepare this Instant Pot rice pilaf only with cumin seeds and minus the other whole spices. However, that will alter the flavor.

    Add green peas, paneer and/or onions to make it even more flavorful.

    You can double this recipe of jeera rice, but you need not increase the cooking time. Jeera Rice can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. It stays well for 2-3 days. You may also freeze it.

    How to make it vegan

    Simply use dairy-free butter or any vegetable oil in place of ghee.

    Don't have an Instant Pot?

    No problem. You can easily make this Asian side dish on the stovetop. You can do that in two ways.

    1. Cook the rice separately using a rice cooker or use leftover rice and then fry all the other ingredients in a pan and add the cooked rice to it. Give it a good mix and it's done!
    2. Follow the Instant pot recipe but use a pressure cooker instead.
    a small round wok filled with Jeera rice with a spoon in it
    a bowl of Instant Pot jeera Rice placed next to a jar of ghee

    Jeera Rice In The Instant Pot

    Instant pot rice pilaf made with Basmati rice and cumin seeds is an aromatic Asian side dish. This classic recipe of jeera rice is quick and easy.
    4.59 from 12 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: rice, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Asian, Indian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 300.17kcal
    Author: Priya Lakshminarayan

    Equipment

    Instant Pot

    Ingredients 

    • 2 cups Basmati rice
    • 2 tablespoon cumin seeds
    • 2 tablespoon ghee or use vegan butter
    • 10 raw cashews
    • 5-6 cloves
    • 1 teaspoon peppercorns
    • 3 green chilies
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 2 bay leaf
    • 3 tablespoon cilantro chopped
    • Salt

    Instructions

    • Wash the rice a couple of times and keep it aside. No need to soak it in water.
    • Turn on the Instant pot in saute mode. Add ghee and once it melts, add cumin seeds, fry for 10 seconds.
    • Then add the slit green chilies, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, cloves, and peppercorns to the pot. Next, add the cashews and fry till they turn light golden.
    • Add the rinsed rice and saute for a couple of seconds. This step is important as it helps to ensure that you get separate grains when cooked.
    • Then add half of the chopped cilantro. Add salt, give it a good mix and cook for a minute.
    • Next add 2 ½ cups of water, mix, and turn off the Instant Pot.
    • Close the lid with the vent in the sealing position. Select pressure or manual mode and cook for 4 minutes. Release the pressure 5 minutes after the pot beeps.
    • Open and fluff the rice lightly using a fork. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

    Notes

    Always use good quality aged Basmati rice because they are less starchy. Need to wash the rice well but there is no need to soak it prior to cooking.
    Ensure that the rice is cooked al dente. The grains need to be separate and not become sticky. Don't add too much water while cooking it.
    If you don't have Basmati rice, you can also use regular rice or make this same recipe using cauliflower rice or alternate grains like quinoa, or brown rice. Just adjust the cooking time and water ratio accordingly.
    You can prepare this Instant Pot rice pilaf only with cumin seeds and minus the other whole spices. However, that will alter the flavor.
    Add green peas, paneer, and/or onions to make it even more flavorful.
    You can double this recipe of jeera rice, but you need not increase the cooking time. Jeera Rice can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. It stays well for 2-3 days. You may also freeze it.
    How to make it vegan?
    Simply use dairy-free butter or any vegetable oil in place of ghee.
    Don't have an Instant Pot?
    No problem. You can easily make this Asian side dish on the stovetop. You can do that in two ways.
    Cook the rice separately using a rice cooker or use leftover rice and then fry all the other ingredients in a pan and add the cooked rice to it. Give it a good mix and it's done!Follow the Instant pot recipe but use a pressure cooker instead.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300.17kcal | Carbohydrates: 53.52g | Protein: 5.34g | Fat: 6.98g | Saturated Fat: 3.45g | Cholesterol: 12.8mg | Sodium: 82.54mg | Potassium: 132.92mg | Fiber: 2.39g | Sugar: 1.04g | Vitamin A: 38.9IU | Vitamin C: 2.85mg | Calcium: 44.98mg | Iron: 2.11mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Maria says

      February 19, 2021 at 5:30 pm

      I don’t have cumin seed. Can I use powder?

      Reply
      • Priya says

        February 19, 2021 at 7:51 pm

        You can use but the seeds give it a nice flavor.

        Reply
    2. Alisa Infanti says

      September 10, 2020 at 9:16 am

      5 stars
      This recipe was a snap to prepare and loved by my family.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 14, 2020 at 2:06 pm

        I am so happy to hear that 🙂

        Reply
    3. Cate says

      September 09, 2020 at 12:40 pm

      Gorgeous pictures and this rice looks so delicious! Can't wait to make this tonight!

      Reply
      • Tawnie says

        September 09, 2020 at 1:18 pm

        5 stars
        Love the Instant Pot so much this recipe was so flavorful and loved by the whole family! Thank you!

        Reply
        • Priya says

          September 09, 2020 at 1:43 pm

          I know right! So easy and simple

          Reply
      • Priya says

        September 09, 2020 at 1:44 pm

        Glad you like it. Let me know how it goes 🙂

        Reply
    4. Heidy says

      September 09, 2020 at 12:17 pm

      5 stars
      This Jeera Rice came out perfect In The Instant Pot! I had no problem with the recipe and it was really delicious! I am so glad I decided to make this Jeera Rice. I took some in to the girls at work and they loved it too. Saving to make again.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 09, 2020 at 1:44 pm

        Glad you liked it so much. Thank you.

        Reply
    5. Erika says

      September 09, 2020 at 11:32 am

      5 stars
      This rice looks so delicious and flavorful! Basmati rice is my favorite.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 09, 2020 at 1:45 pm

        Same here. Thank you

        Reply
    6. Abi says

      August 24, 2020 at 11:28 pm

      5 stars
      Looks so yummy! What main dish is best to pair this with? Would love to try this soon

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 25, 2020 at 12:54 am

        Thank you so much. I have mentioned it in the post.

        Reply
    7. Matt @ Plating Pixels says

      August 24, 2020 at 9:49 pm

      This rice is so yummy! I have a combination of flavors and ingredients.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 25, 2020 at 12:54 am

        Thank you so much

        Reply
    8. Kelli says

      August 24, 2020 at 9:11 pm

      I love jeera rice, but had no idea how easy it is to make at home! I can't wait to try this recipe!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 24, 2020 at 9:24 pm

        Yes, its super easy..do give it a try. Thank you

        Reply
    9. Jessie says

      August 24, 2020 at 8:47 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds amazing and simple! Looks like a trip to the City Market is in my future so that I can this this. I love rice side dishes.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 24, 2020 at 8:50 pm

        Do try it..its very flavorful! Thank you

        Reply
    10. Magali says

      August 24, 2020 at 2:58 pm

      5 stars
      I love basmati rice. Anything that has coriander and cumin powder sounds delicious. I will try this recipe.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 24, 2020 at 7:22 pm

        Thank you so much. Let me know how it turns out for you. 🙂

        Reply
    11. Pris says

      August 24, 2020 at 6:48 am

      5 stars
      Hummm this looks too good! I think the cashews crunch together in the rice is a lovely addition of texture.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 24, 2020 at 7:22 pm

        Yes, cashews are a great addition here. Thank you

        Reply
    12. Danielle Wolter says

      August 24, 2020 at 6:30 am

      5 stars
      This is awesome! I can't believe you can make this in the instant pot. What a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 24, 2020 at 7:23 pm

        Thank you so much

        Reply
    13. Bry says

      August 24, 2020 at 5:56 am

      What a fab recipe! I love all the spices - adds so much flavour!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 24, 2020 at 7:23 pm

        Totally! Thank you so much

        Reply
    14. Alexandra says

      August 23, 2020 at 10:35 pm

      5 stars
      So simple to prepare and full of lovely flavour, this is a great side dish. Love the spices.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 24, 2020 at 7:24 pm

        Thank you so much

        Reply
    15. veenaazmanov says

      August 23, 2020 at 10:26 pm

      5 stars
      Simple and easy to make and yet a flavorful rice dish. My kids love it and so make it too often for them. Instant Pot makes life so simple too.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        August 24, 2020 at 7:23 pm

        I so agree with you! Can't do without my Instant Pot now! Thank you.

        Reply

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