Jeera rice | cumin rice is a very simple Indian rice dish. It is prepared with basmati rice, cumin seeds and some whole spices. Adding whole spices like bay leaf, cinnamon, star anise and cloves is optional, but it adds a flavor to the dish.
Rinse the basmati rice and soak it for 20 minutes in ample water.
Drain it after 20 minutes and set aside. Then, Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pressure cooker and add 4 cloves, ½ inch of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of cumin seeds and a bay leaf to it.
Saute it for a couple of minutes then add soaked basmati rice to it and mix it well.
Now, add salt to the taste and water into the pressure cooker. I have added 1&1/2 cups of water here, you can adjust it according to the rice you are using.
Once the water starts boiling, close the lid of a pressure cooker and take 3 whistles on high flame.
When the steam comes out automatically, open the pressure cooker lid and serve the jeera rice with dal by garnishing it with coriander leaves.