Zeera Rice Recipe

Zeera Rice is the fragrant cumin rice that anchors so many desi meals. Ghee-toasted cumin seeds perfume fluffy basmati grains, making a simple side feel celebratory.

Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

25 mins

Total time

35 mins

Servings

4 servings

Calories

320

Ingredients

• 300 g basmati rice, rinsed and soaked 20 minutes
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 450 ml water
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander, to serve
• A squeeze of lemon, to serve

Instructions

1. Drain the soaked rice well.
2. Heat the ghee in a heavy pot and fry the cumin seeds, bay leaf and cardamom until fragrant.
3. Add the onion and fry until lightly golden.
4. Stir in the rice gently so every grain is coated in ghee.
5. Pour in the water, add salt, and bring to a boil.
6. Cover, reduce to the lowest heat, and steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
7. Rest for 10 minutes, fluff with a fork, and serve with coriander and lemon.

Pro tips

• Soaking and draining the rice properly is the secret to separate, fluffy grains.
• Never lift the lid during steaming, or the steam escapes and the rice turns uneven.
• A fork, not a spoon, keeps the grains intact when fluffing.

Frequently asked questions