Hyderabadi Jeera Rice Recipe

There are some days when you don’t want anything fancy but you still want your food to be special and comforting. That time is when Hyderabadi Jeera Rice comes to your mind. It is very simple, comforting, humble, and fragrant. This recipe has specially saved many lunches and dinners in my kitchen. The recipe of Hyderabadi Jeera Rice may look effortless, but when it is made in the right way, it becomes the spotlight of every other dish. If you are a beginner, then this Hyderabadi Jeera Rice recipe is the perfect stop to get started.

What is Hyderabadi Jeera Rice

Hyderabadi Jeera Rice is one of those dishes which proves that simple food can also be incredibly satisfying. Hyderabadi Jeera Rice is a simple and comforting Indian dish which is made by cooking basmati rice with cumin seeds, tempered ghee, and mild spices. It is popularly known for its light flavour, and beautiful aroma. It can be perfectly served with dals, curries, and gravies.

Why Hyderabadi Jeera Rice is restaurant favourite 

Almost every other restaurant has Hyderabadi Jeera Rice in their menu and it is for a reason. This is because Hyderabadi Jeera Rice delivers flavours even without trying too hard. It is loved in restaurants because it is simple, aromatic, and can be easily paired with any curry. This simplicity makes Hyderabadi Jeera Rice a reliable choice on every menu.

Ingredients overview

Main ingredients 

• Basmati rice – 1 cup

I personally suggest using long grained basmati rice for perfect fluffy texture and pleasant aroma.

• Water – 2 cups

The water ratio should be taken properly for the rice to cook perfectly without making it mushy. 

• Salt – as per required 

Whole Spices

• Cumin seeds (jeera) – 1½ tsp
• Bay leaf – 1 (optional)

Other ingredients 

• Ghee – 2 tbsp
• Oil – 1 tbsp

Rice and water ratio for perfect Hyderabadi Jeera Rice

For the perfect Hyderabadi Jeera Rice, the ideal ratio I always prefer is, if you’re taking 1 cup of basmati rice then 2 cups of water should be taken. 

1 cup basmati rice : 2 cups water

This ratio allows the rice to be cooked evenly, properly, and without getting mushy.

Preparation before cooking Hyderabadi Jeera Rice

Before you start cooking, prepare these steps and it will be much easier to cook the Hyderabadi Jeera Rice.

• First, measure the basmati rice quantity correctly.
• Next, wash the basmati rice 2 to 3 times in clean water until the water runs clear. This helps in removing extra starch from the grains and prevents it from sticking.
• Then, soak the basmati rice  in water for about 20-30 minutes as it helps the grains to cook evenly.

Step-by-step process

1. After washing the basmati rice and soaking it for 20-30 minutes in water, drain all the water from the basmati rice.
2. In a pan or a pressure cooker, heat 2 tbsp ghee and 1 tbsp oil on medium flame.
3.  Add 1½ tsp cumin seeds and a bay leaf and wait until the cumin seeds crackle and become aromatic.

4. Once the cumin seeds crackle, add the drained rice and gently saute it for 2 minutes so that all the grains get coated properly with ghee.
5. Now add 2 cups of water and salt as per your taste. Give it a gentle mix.

6. Close the pan with a lid and cook on medium flame until all the water is absorbed and the rice is properly cooked.
7. If you’re using a pressure cooker, cook the rice until 1 whistle on medium flame.

8. Switch off the flame once the rice is cooked and let the rice rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
9. Your comforting Hyderabadi Jeera Rice is ready !

Tempering the Hyderabadi Jeera Rice

1. Take a small pan and heat 2 tbsp of ghee on low flame.
2. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and wait until they crackle.
3. Add 5–6 garlic cloves which are lightly crushed or sliced and saute them until they turn to golden colour.
4. Now add 2 dried red chillies, a few curry leaves, and a small pinch of asafoetida (hing).
5. Switch off the flame once the tempering starts becoming aromatic.
6. Pour this hot tempering over the Hyderabadi Jeera Rice and mix gently before serving. 

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Do not skip washing basmati rice as it contains excess starch which makes the rice sticky after cooking.
2. Avoid skipping soaking the rice because it results in unevenly cooked or broken rice grains.
3. Do not use too much water as it makes the rice mushy and soft instead of fluffy.
4. Do not stir the rice too much while cooking, it can break the rice grains,
5. Avoid cooking the rice on high flame as it can burn the rice at the bottom while the rest of the rice remains undercooked.
6. Always add cumin seeds when the ghee is hot for a proper and flavourful aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Is Hyderabadi Jeera Rice good for health ?

Yes, Hyderabadi Jeera Rice is good for health because cumins contain digestive enzymes, antioxidants, and iron, and helps boost the metabolism.

2. What is the 5 5 5 rule for rice ?

The 5 5 5 rule is also known as the 10 5 5 rule which is about cooking the rice without a rice cooker: 10 minutes of boiling on high heat, then 5 minutes boiling on low heat, and finally 5 minutes of resting the rice with the lid kept on a pan to trap steam.

3. Which rice is used for Hyderabadi Jeera Rice ?

Long grained aged basmati rice is the best used rice to prepare Hyderabadi Jeera Rice. It helps keep the rice fluffy and separate.

4. What are the best suggestions to serve with Hyderabadi Jeera Rice ?

Hyderabadi Jeera Rice can be perfectly served with dal, dal tadka, paneer butter masala, rajma, chole, chicken curry, butter chicken, onion raita, etc 

5. Should Hyderabadi Jeera Rice be cooked in a cooker or pan?

Hyderabadi Jeera Rice can either be cooked in a cooker or a pan, it depends on your choice. If you’re using a cooker, cook until 1 whistle only. If you’re using a pan, cook the rice until it is properly and evenly cooked.