Jeera Rice, or Cumin Rice, is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the aromatic taste of basmati rice with the earthy flavor of cumin seeds. This version of the recipe is free from onions and garlic, making it suitable for offering to Krishna and perfect for those following a sattvic diet.
Prepared with love and devotion, Jeera Rice is a beloved dish among devotees and a delightful addition to any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Jeera Rice can be enjoyed in various ways:
- With Curries: Serve Jeera Rice with dal or vegetable curries for a complete and satisfying meal.
- As a Side Dish: Pair with raita, salad, or a variety of chutneys for a balanced meal.
- With Festive Meals: Jeera Rice is often prepared during festivals and special occasions, making it a perfect dish to share with family and friends.
These serving suggestions make for a balanced and satisfying meal, fostering a sense of community and togetherness when shared with fellow devotees.
History
Jeera Rice has a rich history in Indian cuisine, traditionally made to enhance the flavor of plain basmati rice with the addition of cumin seeds and whole spices. This version, free from onions and garlic, adheres to the principles of a sattvic diet. By focusing on purity and devotion, Jeera Rice has become a staple in many Hare Krishna kitchens, symbolizing simplicity and nourishment.
Bhakti Thought
Jeera Rice is more than just a dish; it is an expression of creativity, nourishment, and devotion. By preparing and offering this dish to Krishna, we engage in the sacred practice of bhakti, transforming the act of cooking into a spiritual journey. This dish serves as a reminder that even the simplest of ingredients, when combined with devotion and care, can create something extraordinary. Let this Jeera Rice inspire you to cook with a heart full of love and to see each meal as an offering to Krishna, bringing us closer to Him with every bite.
PrintJeera Rice
Jeera Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish, inspired by the principles of bhakti yoga. This rich Jeera Rice combines wholesome ingredients, creating a harmonious blend that enhances any meal. In the tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, cooking and offering food to Krishna is an act of love and devotion, known as bhakti. Each dish is prepared with care, mindfulness, and a pure heart, making it not just a meal but a spiritual offering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 – 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boil and Simmer
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) basmati rice
- 2.5 cups (590 ml) water
- 2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 2 tbsp cashews
- 4 whole peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- Prepare the Jeera Tadka:
- In a separate pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the cloves and cinnamon stick, sautéing for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cashews and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the drained rice and mix in the spiced oil combination stiring constantly until the rice grains turn slightly translucent and are well coated with the hot oil/ghee.
- Cook the Rice:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 2.5 cups of water to a boil. Add the fried rice grains, bay leaf, peppercorns, and salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside. Alternatively you can use a rice cooker, which will only require 1.5 times the rice quantity of water (e.g., 1 cup rice = 1.5 cups water).
- Finish and Serve:
- Offer to Krishna and serve hot as a side dish or main course.
Notes
- Cooking Tip: When cooked the top of the rice may appear uncooked, in which case it is recommended that you mix the rice well so that the steam finishes cooking the uncooked grains, else discard the uncooked grains.
- Versatility Tip: You can add other nuts such as almonds or raisins for additional flavor and texture.
- Enhancing Flavor: Toasting the cumin seeds before adding them to the ghee can enhance their flavor.
- Homemade Spice Powders: You can make your own cumin seed ground powder by dry roasting the seeds in a pan over a flame until they become aromatic, then cooling and grinding them. This will enhance the quality and coloring of the prepared offering.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg