Zeera Rice

Zeera rice is a simple preparation of rice that has been flavored with zeera or cumin seeds. This versatile rice preparation can be eaten as an accompaniment with almost any dal or vegetable. 

Here we are sharing a simple methods to make Zeera Rice 

Ingredients -

• 300 gm Basmati rice
• 2 tbsp Ghee
• 30g Cashew nuts
• 1 tbsp Cumin seeds
• 2 Bay leaves
• 4 Black peppercorns
• 1 Cinnamon stick, broken in half
• 3 Cloves
• 1 Onion, finely sliced
• 600ml Water
• 1 tsp salt or to taste

Procedure -

• Wash the rice in several changes of cold water
• Leave to soak for 30 minutes
• Heat the ghee in heavy saucepan and add the cashew nuts.Fry for 3-4 minutes and then remove from the pan. set aside. This step is optional
• In the same oil, add the cumin, bay leaves, peppercorns, cinnamon and cloves to the pan. fry for a minute.
•  Add the onion and saute for 4-6 minutes
• Tip the drained rice into the pan and stir well to coat the rice in the spices and ghee. stir for 1-2 minutes
• Pour in the water, add the slat and bring to boil
• Reduce the heat. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes until rice is almost cooked and water has been absorbed
• Turn off the heat and leave to stand, still covered, fork another 5 minutes
• Fork through the rice to separate the grains and stir through the cashew nuts.
• Serve while still hot.