I absolutely love cooking and experimenting with different recipes in my kitchen. As a food enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for quick and simple recipes that not only taste delicious but also save me time. Recently, I stumbled upon a fantastic recipe for making Jeera Rice in the microwave, and I couldn’t wait to try it out. Jeera Rice, also known as Cumin Rice, is a popular Indian dish that makes a perfect side dish to any meal. It is aromatic, flavorful, and pairs well with a variety of curries and gravies. In this article, I will share with you the step-by-step process of making Jeera Rice in the microwave.
Gathering the Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Basmati rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon ghee or butter
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– Salt to taste
To begin with, gather all the necessary ingredients for making Jeera Rice. The star of this recipe is the Basmati rice, known for its long grains and aromatic flavor. You will also need water, ghee or butter, cumin seeds, and salt.
Preparing the Rice
Step 1: Washing the Rice
The first step in making Jeera Rice is to wash the Basmati rice thoroughly. Place the rice in a bowl and fill it with water. Swirl the rice around with your fingers to remove any dust or impurities. Repeat this process a few times until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Soaking the Rice
After washing the rice, soak it in water for about 15 minutes. Soaking the rice helps to soften the grains and ensures that they cook evenly.
Step 3: Draining the Rice
Once the rice has soaked for 15 minutes, drain the water using a colander or sieve. Make sure to remove all excess water to avoid the rice becoming mushy.
Cooking the Jeera Rice
Step 1: Adding the Rice to the Microwave-Safe Dish
Take a microwave-safe dish with a tight-fitting lid and add the washed and drained rice to it. Spread the rice evenly in the dish to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Adding the Water and Seasoning
Next, add water to the dish. The general rule of thumb for cooking Basmati rice is 2 parts water to 1 part rice. In this case, add 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. Season the rice with salt according to your taste.
Step 3: Adding the Ghee and Cumin Seeds
To enhance the flavor of the Jeera Rice, add ghee or butter to the dish. Traditionally, ghee is used, but you can also use butter as a substitute. Sprinkle the cumin seeds over the rice, which will give the dish its distinct aroma and flavor.
Step 4: Covering the Dish and Microwaving
Now, cover the dish with the lid, making sure it is tightly sealed. Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high power for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, lower the power to 50% and continue microwaving for another 10 minutes.
Step 5: Resting and Fluffing the Rice
Once the rice has finished cooking, allow it to rest in the microwave for 5 minutes. This resting time helps in achieving perfectly cooked rice with fluffy grains. After 5 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the microwave and use a fork to fluff the rice gently.
Serving and Enjoying Jeera Rice
Once your Jeera Rice is ready, transfer it to a serving dish and garnish it with some freshly chopped coriander leaves. Jeera Rice is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of Indian curries, dals, or even enjoyed on its own. The fragrance of the cumin seeds and the rich flavors of the Basmati rice make this dish a true delight.
So there you have it, a quick and simple recipe for making Jeera Rice in the microwave. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy this delicious and aromatic dish in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of Jeera Rice right from your microwave.