EASY, Indian-style jeera rice with coconut oil and whole spices. SO versatile, fragrant, and just 1 pot and 4 ingredients required! Instant Pot and stovetop methods included.
Turn on the sauté function on your Instant Pot (to the default "Normal" — not high or low) and add the coconut oil. Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds (optional) and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Turn off the sauté function by pressing "Cancel."
Add rice, water, and salt and stir to prevent sticking. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes (it will take about 8 minutes for the Instant Pot to pressurize before cooking begins).
Once the timer goes off, allow to naturally release for at least 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Carefully remove lid once steam has fully escaped.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little water until warm.
STOVETOP
Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds (optional) and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add 1 cup (200 g) rice, 2 cups (480 ml) water, and salt and stir to combine. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, lower heat to a simmer and cover. Ensure it’s simmering and not boiling or the rice can cook too quickly.
Simmer until water is completely absorbed and rice is tender — about 15-20 minutes.
Remove the lid, fluff with a fork, put the lid back on, and let rest for 10 minutes for extra fluffy rice.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little water until warm.
Notes
*This recipe also works with long grain brown rice, but we preferred the flavor and texture of white rice. If using brown rice, increase cook time to 20 minutes for the Instant Pot or 25-30 minutes for the stovetop. *For a more traditional version of jeera rice with more spices, check out this recipe from Swasthi’s Recipes. *Total time includes active cook time, release time, and the time it takes for the Instant Pot to heat up (~8 minutes). *Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated without optional ingredients.