Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Jeera Rice Recipe – Green Peas & Basmati Delight

Introduction

Jeera rice – it’s one of those dishes that just feels like home, doesn’t it? Growing up, this was a staple at our table, especially during festivals or when we had guests. It’s simple, fragrant, and just elevates any Indian meal. I remember my grandmother always saying the secret was in “blooming” the spices, and honestly, she was right! This recipe is my take on her classic, with a little extra goodness from sweet green peas. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Jeera Rice recipe is a winner for so many reasons! It’s quick – ready in under 30 minutes. It’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to the toasted cumin and whole spices. Plus, it’s a fantastic side dish that pairs beautifully with almost any Indian curry, dal, or even a simple raita. It’s also a great way to use up leftover basmati rice if you happen to have any!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this aromatic delight:

• 1 cup Basmati Rice
• ½ cup Green Peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 medium Onion
• 1 tbsp Ghee or Clarified Butter
• ½ tsp Cumin Seeds
• 2 nos. Bay Leaf
• 2 nos. Green Cardamom
• 1 no. Black Cardamom
• 4, 1-inch pieces Cinnamon Sticks
• 1 ½ cup Water
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little things can make a big difference!

Basmati Rice: Choosing the Right Grain

Basmati rice is key here. Look for aged basmati – it’s longer, fluffier, and has a more pronounced aroma. I prefer the extra-long grain variety. Around 200g of basmati rice is equivalent to 1 cup.

Ghee: The Importance of Clarified Butter in Indian Cooking

Ghee adds a richness and nutty flavor that oil just can’t replicate. It’s traditional in Indian cooking for a reason! But if you’re vegan or prefer, you can use a neutral oil like sunflower or vegetable oil. About 15ml of ghee is equivalent to 1 tbsp.

Cumin Seeds: Regional Variations & Flavor Profiles

Cumin seeds (jeera) are the star of the show! You can use whole cumin seeds, or lightly toast and powder them for a more intense flavor. I like to use whole seeds for that lovely textural element. Roughly 2g of cumin seeds is equivalent to ½ tsp.

Green Peas: Fresh vs. Frozen – What’s Best?

Both fresh and frozen green peas work beautifully. If using frozen, no need to thaw them – just add them directly to the pan. Fresh peas are wonderful when in season, of course! About 80-100g of green peas is equivalent to ½ cup.

Whole Spices: Understanding Bay Leaves, Cardamom & Cinnamon

Don’t skip the whole spices! They infuse the rice with incredible depth of flavor. Make sure your bay leaves are fresh – they lose their aroma over time. A little goes a long way with cardamom and cinnamon, so don’t overdo it.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, wash and soak the basmati rice in water for 15-20 minutes. This helps it cook up fluffy. Then, drain and rinse it until the water runs clear.
2. Now, heat the ghee in a pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the cumin seeds, bay leaves, green cardamom, black cardamom, and cinnamon sticks. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant – this is the “blooming” my grandmother talked about!
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and slightly golden.
4. Mix in the green peas and the drained basmati rice. Stir gently to coat the rice with the spices.
5. Transfer the mixture to a pressure cooker. Add the water and salt. Cover and cook for 2 whistles on medium heat.
6. Once cooked, allow the pressure to release naturally. Then, fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Expert Tips

A few little secrets to make your Jeera Rice perfect every time:

Soaking the Rice for Perfect Texture

Don’t skip the soaking step! It helps the rice cook evenly and become beautifully fluffy.

Blooming the Spices for Maximum Flavor

Sautéing the spices in ghee releases their essential oils, creating a more aromatic and flavorful dish.

Achieving the Right Water-to-Rice Ratio

The 1 ½ cup water to 1 cup rice ratio works perfectly for me, but you might need to adjust it slightly depending on your rice and cooker.

Pressure Cooking vs. Pot Cooking

If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can cook the rice in a pot. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.

Fluffing the Rice: The Final Touch

Fluffing the rice with a fork separates the grains and prevents it from sticking together.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Jeera Rice: Simply substitute the ghee with a plant-based oil.
• Gluten-Free Jeera Rice: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Spice Level Adjustment: Mild to Spicy: Add a pinch of red chili powder or a chopped green chili for a little heat. My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny bit of garam masala too!
• Festival Adaptations: Serving Jeera Rice During Celebrations: For special occasions, garnish with fried onions and chopped cilantro.
• Adding Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, beans, or cauliflower.

Serving Suggestions

Jeera Rice is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic with:

• Dal Makhani
• Butter Chicken
• Vegetable Curry
• Raita
• A simple yogurt-based dish

Storage Instructions

Leftover Jeera Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What type of rice is best for Jeera Rice?

Basmati rice is the best choice – it has the right aroma and texture.

Can I use oil instead of ghee? What’s the difference in flavor?

Yes, you can, but ghee adds a unique richness and nutty flavor that oil doesn’t.

How do I adjust the cooking time if I’m not using a pressure cooker?

Increase the cooking time to 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.

Can I add other spices like turmeric or red chili powder?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices.

How can I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot?

Make sure you’re using a non-stick pot and that the heat isn’t too high.

What is the ideal consistency of Jeera Rice – slightly dry or moist?

Slightly dry and fluffy is ideal. You want the grains to be separate and not sticky.