Vegan Jeera Rice

Light, flavorful and filling jeera rice is a staple Indian side dish that is the ideal accompaniment to curry dishes from dhal to dhansak!

Also known as cumin rice (for reasons that will become obvious in a moment…), this traditional dish is made with fluffy basmati rice and warming spices such as cinnamon and cumin (told you so!).

This fully vegan jeera rice is nutritious and super easy to make. With just 30 minutes and a handful of ingredients, you will have enough to feed a family of four. Perfect if you are making our delicious Vegan Indian Curry.

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What is Jeera Rice?

Jeera rice is a dish that originated in northern India, although it is now served in restaurants and households across the world.

The word jeera is the Indian name for cumin, so it’s no surprise that jeera rice is infused with cumin seeds. This gives it a slightly sweet, earthy, warming flavor while aiding digestion. Bonus points!

Made with long-grain basmati rice, jeera rice is a fluffy dish that goes wonderfully with strongly flavored curries.

Is Jeera Rice Vegan?

Surprisingly, jeera rice isn’t always vegan. This is because traditional recipes sometimes require the use of ghee, which is clarified butter.

Of course, our jeera rice is entirely vegan with no compromise in flavor, so it goes perfectly with your favorite vegan dishes.  

Is this Jeera Rice Gluten-Free?

Yes! Basmati rice is gluten-free, and there are no hidden glutenous ingredients in this dish, so it’s ideal if you are avoiding gluten.

Is Jeera Rice Easy to Make?

It certainly is! The most difficult part of the recipe is toasting the spices without burning them, although if the heat isn’t too high, you will have no problems.

What is Jeera Rice Made Of?

This vegan jeera rice only requires a handful of simple ingredients!

Here’s what you need:

• Olive oil               
• Yellow onion
• Bay leaf
• Cinnamon stick 
• Cumin seeds     
• Basmati rice       
• Water  
• Sea salt
• Fresh cilantro  

How to Make Jeera Rice

Start by rinsing and draining the basmati rice until the water runs clear, then set aside.

In a medium saucepan, add the olive oil, diced onion, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cumin seeds. Toast this over a medium heat for a couple of minutes, until you begin to notice the aromas.

Add the basmati rice to the saucepan, then stir with the other ingredients for 2 to 3 minutes. Then add water and salt, and bring everything to a boil.

As it begins boiling, lower the heat, cover the pan, and cook for around 20 minutes. When it’s ready, turn off the heat and allow the rice to stand for 5 minutes, covered.

Fluff the rice with a fork, add some sprigs of fresh cilantro on top, and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Jeera Rice

If you have time, soak the rice in cold water for around 15 minutes before rinsing and draining. This will allow the rice to absorb more aromas from the spices, leading to an even more flavorful final dish.

It’s easy to increase the amount of rice you cook. Simply use two cups of water for every extra cup of rice, then adjust the spices to taste.

You can add other ingredients to enhance the flavor and visual appeal of this dish. For example, stirring in a little saffron will give it a golden color, while whole green cardamom pods will add another element to the aromas of this dish.

Because the number of ingredients in this recipe is quite low, choose a good quality aged basmati rice, and fresh herbs and spices to really bring it to life.

FAQ

How to Store Jeera Rice

If you have made more than you need, you can store this leftover vegan jeera rice in the refrigerator. Cool your rice quickly by transferring it to a large shallow container, then when the rice is cool, seal the container and store it in the fridge.

It will last in the fridge for up to two days. To safely reheat it, see the instructions below.

Can You Freeze Jeera Rice?

You can, although it will lose some of its aroma. However, if you want to freeze it, cool the rice quickly in a shallow bowl, then store it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to one month.

Can You Make Jeera Rice Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can. It should not stay at room temperature for more than one hour, so cool it as quickly as possible after cooking, then store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you are ready to use it.

The reheating stage is important, so see below for details!

How Long Does Jeera Rice Last?

When cooled quickly and stored in the fridge in an airtight container, jeera rice will last for up to two days. If you choose to freeze it, follow similar instructions and it will last for up to one month.

How Do You Reheat Jeera Rice?

Unlike other leftovers, stored rice needs to be reheated correctly to ensure it is safe to eat. This is because cooked rice may contain Bacillus cereus spores, which can grow into bacteria when left at room temperature.

However, don’t let this put you off! All you need to do to ensure safe reheated rice is to allow your rice to cool quickly (in under an hour), before transferring it to the fridge or freezer.

When reheating, the rice should be steaming throughout. It should be heated evenly to 74°C or 165°F to ensure safety.

Finally, never reheat your rice more than once!

If you’re looking for more Indian recipes, check out:

Vegan Indian Curry

Gluten-Free Naan Bread

Super Simple Mango Chutney

Crispy Vegan Onion Bhajis

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag your photos with @healthiir on Instagram!