Vegan Jeera Rice
Vegan Jeera Rice, also known as cumin rice, is a simple and aromatic Indian dish that combines basmati rice with the warm and earthy flavors of cumin seeds, ginger, and garlic. It’s a versatile and satisfying side dish that pairs well with a variety of vegan curries, dals, or grilled vegetables. Enjoy its fragrant and subtly spiced goodness as part of your plant-based meal.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 green chili, slit (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until they release their aroma.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, minced ginger, and the slit green chili. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant.
Add the ground turmeric and salt to the onion mixture. Stir well to combine.
Add the rinsed basmati rice to the saucepan and gently stir to coat the rice with the spices and oil.
Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and all the water has been absorbed. Avoid stirring the rice while it’s cooking to prevent it from becoming sticky.
Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Optionally, serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the rice just before eating for added flavor.
TIPS
- You can customize your vegan jeera rice by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them with the onions and follow the same recipe.
- If you prefer a milder version, you can omit the green chili or use less.
- Use a fork to fluff the rice gently after cooking to prevent it from becoming clumpy.
- You can store any leftover jeera rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it when needed. It makes a great addition to lunchboxes or quick weeknight meals.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: 200-220 (approximate values)
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 3-4g
- Fat: 5-7g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in carbohydrates, a good source of energy.
