Simple Cumin Basmati Rice

Elevate your side dishes with this Simple Cumin Basmati Rice—a fragrant, flavorful recipe that pairs perfectly with your favorite curries, grilled meats, or vegetarian mains. With its light, fluffy texture and aromatic hints of toasted cumin seeds, this dish transforms a humble bowl of rice into a delightful culinary experience. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and easy option for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The basmati rice is rinsed to perfection for a fluffier texture, while a touch of optional fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and herbaceous flavor. Perfect for those seeking an effortless yet sophisticated recipe, this cumin rice will quickly become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons optional chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice in cold water 2-3 times until the water runs clear. This helps remove the excess starch for fluffier rice.

Step 2

Drain the rinsed rice thoroughly and set aside.

Step 3

Heat a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.

Step 4

Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds, or until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

Step 5

Add the rinsed and drained rice to the saucepan, stirring gently to coat the grains in oil and cumin seeds.

Step 6

Pour in the 2 cups of water and add the salt. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.

Step 8

Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the steam to evenly distribute.

Step 9

Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(702.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	365.9

Total Fat 14.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1202.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 51.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.1g	0%
Total Sugars 0.2g
Protein 7.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 78.3mg	0%
Iron 5.0mg	0%
Potassium 119.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.4%

Protein: 8.4%

Carbs: 56.2%