How to prepare a Jeera Rice

Jeera rice is a popular Indian rice dish flavored with cumin seeds (Jeera). It is a simple and fragrant dish that pairs well with various curries and gravies. Here's how you can prepare jeera rice:

Ingredients:

·         1 cup basmati rice

·         2 cups water

·         1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter) or oil

·         1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)

·         Salt to taste

·         Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and ensures fluffy rice grains.
2. Soak the rinsed rice in water for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps in achieving long and separate grains when cooked.
3. After soaking, drain the water from the rice and set it aside.
4. Heat ghee or oil in a saucepan or a deep, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
5. Add the cumin seeds (jeera) to the hot ghee or oil. Let them sizzle and release their aroma. Stir them gently to avoid burning.
6. Once the cumin seeds have toasted and become fragrant, add the drained rice to the pot. Stir gently to coat the rice grains with the ghee or oil and cumin seeds. Sauté for a minute to lightly toast the rice.
7. Pour in the water and add salt to taste. Give it a gentle stir.
8. Increase the heat to high and bring the water to a boil.
9. Once the water comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked through.
10. Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This helps in the final steaming of the rice and enhances the texture.
11. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
12. Transfer the jeera rice to a serving dish and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.

Your Jeera rice is now ready to be served as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite Indian dishes. Enjoy!