How to make Jeera Rice in Instant Pot- In this post I take you through my way of making the most perfect Jeera rice in Instant Pot without soaking.This recipe is Gluten Free,Dairy Free & Vegan.
I almost never had plain rice growing up.Rice was always made this way and served with all kinds of stuff.
Perfectly cooked jeera rice should
- Not be overcooked or mushy
- Easy rice grain should be separate
- have a slight bite to it.
This post is self explanatory really.It's all about my obsession with the most perfect but the least effort Jeera rice or Cumin spiced Rice.
If you like plain rice instead, then read my post on how to make perfect basmati rice.
Ingredients for Jeera Rice
Here is what you will need
Rice- The preferred rice is basmati rice but you can also use short grain rice in a pinch.
Cumin- Jeera.I prefer using whole jeera because I want the aroma and taste of it but not the color.
Whole Spices- This is optional but something that lifts the flavor even more.
If you cant get all, add what you have.There are a lot of times i have skipped it all toghether.
How to make Jeera Rice in Instant Pot without soaking
Step 1- Wash the rice. This is important to get rid of unwanted dirt and anything else that could spoil your dish.
Keep the rice immersed in water till you get the rest of the stuff sorted.
Step 2-Choose the saute mode. Let the instant pot heat through. Add ghee and let it melt and heat through.
Once it's hot, add the cumin and rest of the whole spices. You want the cumin to splutter. Sort of break in the middle and puff up. That's when it releases most flavor.
But this can happen only if the ghee is hot. Once the cumin splutters it can burn, so make sure you have water nearby.
If the cumin starts to burn, add the water first.
Otherwise add the rice, give it a mix in the ghee. Let the ghee coat all the rice grains.
Add the measured water. Make sure you measure.
Step 3- Close the lid.Choose "PRESSURE COOK" setting on HIGH.Make sure the steam vent is turned to Sealed.
Set the time to 5 minutes.
Let the pressure escape naturally for 2 minutes after which quick release the pressure.
Doubling & Tripling the Jeera Rice in Instant pot
To double or triple the recipe, simply measure double the ingredients. And follow the same process.
The only thing to be aware of is to make sure you do not go over the max water level in your instant pot.
Versions and Variations
You can tweak this basic recipe to make your own versions of jeera rice in the instant pot. Here are some ideas
Matar Pulav- Add frozen or fresh peas just before pressure cooking to the instant pot. Really! That's all you need to make a delicious matar pulav.
Rich Jeera Rice- If you are serving rice to impress or at a party, add some ghee sautéed cashews and raisins to the rice after the pressure cooking step.
Leftovers and Storage
You can keep the jeera rice in a air tight container in the refrigerator for upto 4-5 days.
To reheat, here is what you need to do
- Microwave - Sprinkle 2 tablespoon of water on the rice. Cover and microwave till hot. About 3-4 minutes.
- Stove top- Add 3 tablespoon water to the pan. Add the rice over it and cover and heat it on low for 4-5 minutes.
Freezing cooked rice- Rice freezes very well.You can either freeze the whole thing in an air tight container or freeze it in smaller individual servings sized small batches so you can take only what you need.
What to serve with Jeera Rice
I love jeera rice with rajma. I mean Rajma Chawal is probably a better match than Romeo Juliet(yes clique but TRUE!)
It's also heavenly with a simple Dal Tadka or Dal Makhni or with a quick and simple Chicken Curry.
Tricks and Tips to make the Best Cumin Rice
- If you are not on a Vegan or diary Free diet, use Ghee instead of oil to make this Cumin rice. The aroma itself will transport you to heaven!
- Let the aromatics splutter in the oil for 10-15 seconds before you add the rice.This will help release more flavor.
- Sprinkle with some fresh coriander for extra extra flavor!
Why make Jeera Rice in Instant Pot
Two reasons really
- It's Quick
- It's repeatable and controlled.There is lesser room for error!
and a Bonus- Cleaning the instant pot is so much more easier than any other utensil!
Do you love rice? then here are some more instant pot Rice recipes for you
Instant Pot Veg Biryani
Instant Pot Pulao- Rice Pilaf
Instant Pot Mushroom Rice
Instant Pot Khichdi - (Indian Lentils & Rice)
If you make this Jeera Rice in your instant pot, let me know your thoughts! I would love to hear from you!
Jeera Rice
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Basmati Rice
- 1 tablespoon Ghee or Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 2 Cloves
- 1 Black Cardamom
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 Cup Water
Instructions
- Wash the rice 2-3 times.
Stove Top Method
- Heat the oil or ghee in a deep pot on medium flame.
- Once hot, add the Cumin,bay leaf,cloves and black cardamom.
- To this add the drained rice and saute for 10-30 seconds.
- Add 1.5 cups(more water for stove top recipe) of water and season with salt.
- Bring to boil,change the heat setting to low(low flame) and cover.Cook on low for 10 minutes till all the water has evaporated and rice is cooked.
Instant Pot Method
- In the SAUTE mode- heat the ghee/oil.
- Once hot, add the Cumin,bay leaf,cloves and black cardamom.
- To this add the drained rice and saute for 30 seconds.
- Add 1 cup of water and season with salt.Cancel the SAUTE setting.
- Choose the "PRESSURE COOK" setting no HIGH for 5 minutes in SEALED position.
- Let the pressure escape manually for 2 minutes and then quick release the valve by moving it from SEALED position to VENTING position.
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