Jeera rice, also known as cumin rice, is one of the classic flavored rice dishes in Indian cooking. It's simply fluffy basmati rice steamed with cumin seeds and aromatic whole spices.
I prepare this version in the Instant Pot pressure cooker, making it quick, consistent, and hands-off.
Quick Look: Instant Pot Jeera Rice
- ✅ Recipe Name: Instant Pot Jeera Rice
- 🕒 Ready In: 25 minutes
- 👪 Serves: 6
- 🍽 Calories: 142 per serving (estimated)
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Cumin Seeds, Olive oil
- 📖 Dietary Info: Vegan; gluten-free,
- 👌 Difficulty: Easy - one pot, Asian flavors, minimal prep
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Simple ingredients, gentle spices, and perfectly cooked rice, this Instant Pot jeera rice delivers restaurant-style results at home. Each grain stays separate, fragrant, and lightly infused with cumin.
If cooking rice in the Instant Pot feels intimidating, you're not alone. Many readers ask about rice texture and water ratios. The good news? Once you master this method, you'll reach for it often, just like I do with my Instant Pot Vegetable Biryani, Matar Pulao, and chana dal pulao for easy weeknight meals.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Fluffy, long-grain rice every time
- Uses pantry-friendly spices
- Pairs beautifully with dals, curries, and yogurt
It's one of those recipes that quietly becomes a regular on your dinner table.
Ingredients Notes
- Basmati Rice: Quality matters. Look for extra-long grain basmati for the best aroma and texture. Well-aged rice cooks up firm, fragrant, and non-sticky.
- Cumin Seeds: The star of the dish. Use whole seeds or lightly crush them to release more flavor.
- Vegan Butter or Oil: Vegan butter adds richness, similar to restaurant-style jeera rice. Coconut oil and olive oil are also effective.
- Whole Spices: Green cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf, and cloves bring subtle sweetness and depth. These spices perfume the rice without overpowering it.
See the recipe card for a list of ingredients and quantities, plus recipe instructions. You can find the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Add green chilies for extra heat.
- Vegetable Jeera Rice: Stir in peas, carrots, or green beans before pressure cooking.
- Leftover Rice Version: Skip pressure cooking and simply temper spices in a pan, then fold in steamed leftover rice.
- Ghee-style Flavor: Use vegan butter or vegan ghee for authentic jeera rice flavor.
How to cook Instant Pot Jeera rice
- Rinse basmati rice until the water runs clear. Soak for 5-10 minutes, then drain.
- Turn Instant Pot to Sauté. Add vegan butter or oil.
- Once hot, add cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom, and bay leaf. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cinnamon and green chilies. Stir for another 10-15 seconds.
- Add drained rice and salt. Gently mix to coat the grains.
- Pour in 2 ½ cups water and give one final stir.
- Close the lid, set valve to Sealing, and pressure cook on High for 6 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release. Open lid and fluff gently with a fork.
Stovetop Method
Cook plain basmati rice separately until it's tender. Drain the excess water. In another pan, sauté cumin and spices in oil or vegan butter. Fold in cooked rice.
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot Cumin rice pairs beautifully with dals, curries, and yogurt.
Try my Instant Pot chana dal, Instant pot dal fry, Vegan spinach dal for dal and jeera rice combo. Best curry recipes are aloo palak, and Tofu Makhani.
Tips for Perfect Jeera Rice
- Always rinse rice well to remove excess starch.
- Soaking helps basmati grains lengthen and cook evenly, but for this recipe, soaking is optional and can be skipped if you're short on time.
- Use whole spices for aroma, but remove them before serving if preferred.
Storage
Store leftover jeera rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water in the microwave or steamer.
Instant Pot Jeera Rice FAQ
You can, but basmati rice gives the authentic aroma and texture.
Yes. Keep the same cooking time. Increase the water proportionally.
Yes. A spice bag, tea infuser, or muslin pouch works perfectly. It allows the spices to release flavor while keeping them out of the finished rice.
Did you love this recipe? Rate it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
And let me know in the comments what you loved about it.
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice)
Equipment
Process Shot
Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice - long grain
- 2 tablespoon vegan butter - Olive oil
- 3 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 4 green cardamoms
- 4 clove spice
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 green chilies - sliced optional
- ½ inch cinnamon sticks
- Salt to taste
- 2½ cup water
Instructions
- Rinse basmati rice until the water runs clear. Soak for 5- 10 minutes, then drain.
- Turn Instant Pot to Sauté. Add vegan butter or oil.2 tablespoon vegan butter
- Once hot, add cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom, and bay leaf. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.3 teaspoon cumin seeds, 4 green cardamoms, 4 clove spice, 2 bay leaves, 2 green chilies, ½ inch cinnamon sticks
- Add cinnamon and green chilies. Stir for another 10-15 seconds.
- Add drained rice and salt. Gently mix to coat the grains.2 cups basmati rice, Salt to taste
- Pour in water and give one final stir.2½ cup water
- Close the lid, set valve to Sealing, and pressure cook on High for 4 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release. Open lid and fluff gently with a fork.
Notes
- Always rinse rice well to remove excess starch.
- Soaking helps basmati grains lengthen and cook evenly, but for this recipe, soaking is optional and can be skipped if you're short on time.
- Use whole spices for aroma, but remove them before serving if preferred.
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
Maya says
I made this recipe Uma. We all loved it. I save d this recipe for future also.
Uma Raghupathi says
Thank you Maya 😊
Sylvia Torrez says
Haven't made it yet but it better turn out great since I am having guests. I think the recipe for Instant Pot Vegetable Rice is poorly written. Never said anything about soaking rice nor for how long. AND powdered cloves? Does he know we have many cloves.
Uma Raghupathi says
Hi.
Without making how you rated my recipe? I mentioned above how long we should soak the rice in vegetable rice. And about the cloves, I mentioned in ingredients that 2 cloves powdered.