Instant Pot Jeera Rice Recipe – Cashew & Curry Leaf Flavored

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Pot Jeera Rice Recipe – Cashew & Curry Leaf Flavored

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, a good plate of fluffy, flavorful rice is the perfect accompaniment to just about any Indian meal. And this Instant Pot Jeera Rice? It’s a game changer. I first made this when I was craving something comforting and aromatic, and honestly, it’s become a weeknight staple. The toasted cashews and fragrant curry leaves take it to a whole new level. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot Jeera Rice is seriously the best. It’s quick, easy, and delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The Instant Pot makes it foolproof – perfectly cooked rice every single time! Plus, the cashew and curry leaf tadka (tempering) adds a beautiful aroma and a delightful crunch. It’s a simple upgrade that makes all the difference.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Jeera Rice:

• 1 cup short grain rice
• 4 tablespoons ghee
• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped raw cashews
• 2 teaspoons ginger, finely grated
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 20 curry leaves
• ?? cup moong daal (split yellow lentils) – about ¼ cup is perfect
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ?? teaspoon asafetida (hing) – a pinch, about 1/4 teaspoon
• 4?? cups water – 4 cups plus ¼ cup is ideal

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will really elevate your Jeera Rice.

• Short Grain Rice: This is key for that lovely, slightly sticky texture. Basmati rice can be used, but it won’t have the same consistency. Sona Masoori is another great option.
• Ghee: Don’t skimp on the ghee! It adds a richness and flavor that butter just can’t match. If you can, use a good quality, homemade ghee.
• Curry Leaves: These little guys are packed with flavor. Fresh curry leaves are a must – you won’t get the same aroma from dried ones. They’re readily available at Indian grocery stores.
• Moong Daal: Moong daal adds a subtle nuttiness and helps bind the rice. In some regions of India, especially in Gujarati cuisine, a little chana daal (split chickpeas) is also added for extra texture.
• Hing (Asafetida): This might seem like an unusual ingredient, but trust me, it’s important! Hing adds a savory, umami flavor and aids digestion. A little goes a long way – it has a potent aroma! You can find it at Indian grocery stores, often in powdered form.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some Jeera Rice!

1. First, rinse the rice under running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy. Drain well and set aside.
2. Now, switch on your Instant Pot and select the ‘Saute’ function. Add 1 tablespoon of ghee and let it melt. Toss in the cashews and toast them until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them! Remove the toasted cashews and set them aside.
3. Add the remaining ghee to the pot. Add the grated ginger, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, ground black pepper, and curry leaves. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds, or until the spices become fragrant and the curry leaves start to crisp up. Transfer this beautiful tadka to the bowl with the cashews.
4. Add the moong daal to the Instant Pot and toast it for about a minute. This enhances its flavor. Then, add the rinsed rice, salt, hing, and water. Give everything a good stir.
5. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Select the ‘Rice’ setting and cook on low pressure for 12 minutes.
6. Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and gently mix in the reserved tadka and toasted cashews. Serve hot!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip rinsing the rice! It really does make a difference.
• Keep a close eye on the cashews while toasting – they burn easily.
• Adjust the amount of salt to your liking.
• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of turmeric powder along with the salt.

Variations

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

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply substitute the ghee with an equal amount of vegetable oil.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: If you like a little heat, add a finely chopped green chili along with the ginger.
• Using Different Rice Varieties: While short grain rice is traditional, you can experiment with other varieties like Basmati or Jasmine rice. Just adjust the water ratio accordingly.
• Festival Adaptations: This Jeera Rice is fantastic served with a hearty dal and a vegetable curry during festivals like Diwali or Holi. My family loves it with a spicy Aloo Gobi!

Serving Suggestions

Jeera Rice is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with:

• Dal Makhani
• Butter Chicken
• Vegetable Curries (like Aloo Gobi or Palak Paneer)
• Raita (yogurt dip)
• Pickles

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 to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What type of rice works best for Jeera Rice?

Short grain rice is traditionally used for its slightly sticky texture. Sona Masoori is also a great choice.

Can I make this Jeera Rice on the stovetop?

Absolutely! You’ll need to adjust the cooking time and water ratio. Generally, you’ll simmer the rice on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.

What is hing and where can I find it?

Hing, or asafetida, is a pungent spice used in Indian cooking. It adds a savory, umami flavor. You can find it at Indian grocery stores, usually in powdered form.

How can I adjust the amount of ghee in this recipe?

You can reduce the amount of ghee to 3 tablespoons if you prefer. However, the ghee really contributes to the flavor, so I recommend sticking to the original amount if possible.

Can I add other spices to enhance the flavor?

Definitely! A pinch of turmeric powder, a dash of garam masala, or a few cloves can all add extra depth of flavor.

What is the best way to store leftover Jeera Rice?

Store leftover Jeera Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.