Instant Pot Vegan Jeera Rice Recipe (Indian Cumin Rice)

Jeera rice is a popular Indian side dish, perfect for serving with curries or dal. This recipe, traditionally made with ghee, is just as delicious with plant-based ingredients, making it 100% vegan.

The nutty flavor of cumin seeds infuses the rice, and it’s easy to make using an Instant Pot in under 15 minutes.

This version of jeera rice is entirely plant-based, making it perfect for anyone following a vegan diet.

Whether you’re preparing an Indian-themed dinner or looking for a quick, flavorful side dish, this recipe has you covered.

Why You Should Make Vegan Instant Pot Jeera Rice

Jeera rice pairs beautifully with many Indian dishes, adding flavor without overpowering the meal. Cooking it in the Instant Pot ensures fluffy, fragrant rice every time.

Plus, it’s quick and easy, so you won’t need to spend too much time in the kitchen.

Since this version is completely plant-based, we’ve swapped the traditional ghee for oil, ensuring the dish remains vegan while keeping the authentic flavor.

It’s a great side dish that works for any gathering, and you only need 15 minutes!

Vegan Instant Pot Jeera Rice Ingredients

• Rice: Use long-grain basmati rice for the fluffiest texture. If you use smaller grain rice like seeraga samba or sona masuri, adjust the water accordingly.
• Cumin seeds: The key ingredient that gives jeera rice its signature flavor. Use whole cumin seeds, not cumin powder, for the best taste.
• Oil: Substitute ghee with any neutral cooking oil, such as sunflower or olive oil, for a vegan version.
• Whole spices (optional): To elevate the flavor, add whole spices like cloves, bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and green cardamom.
• Cilantro leaves: Fresh cilantro adds brightness to the dish as a garnish.
• Green chili: For a bit of heat, add chopped green chili. Adjust the quantity depending on your spice tolerance.
• Water: Use 1 cup of water for every ½ cup of rice for perfectly cooked rice. Adjust if you prefer softer rice.
• Salt: To taste, for seasoning.

Vegan Instant Pot Jeera Rice Recipe

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Rinse the rice in cold water 2 to 3 times, or until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffy rice that’s not sticky.

Step 2: Sauté the Spices

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Once hot, add the oil. When the oil is heated, add the cumin seeds and any whole spices (if using) like cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and cardamom. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the cumin seeds begin to crackle and release their aroma.

Add the chopped green chilies and sauté for another 30 seconds.

Step 3: Add the Rice

Add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot, along with the water and salt. Use 1 cup of water for every ½ cup of rice. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Rice

Close the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, perform a Quick Release to prevent overcooking the rice.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve alongside your favorite Indian curries or dals.

Stovetop Pressure Cooker Vegan Jeera Rice Recipe

You can make the same vegan jeera rice in a stovetop pressure cooker by following these steps:

1. Rinse the rice using the Instant Pot method.
2. Sauté the cumin seeds and whole spices in oil over medium heat in the pressure cooker.
3. Add the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Stir well.
4. Close the lid and cook until the pressure cooker whistles twice, which takes around 10–15 minutes.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with cilantro, and serve.

Stovetop Pot Vegan Jeera Rice Recipe

If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can still make vegan jeera rice in a regular stovetop pot. Here’s how:

1. Follow the same steps to rinse the rice and sauté the cumin seeds and spices in oil.
2. Add the water, rice, and salt to the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and cook over medium-low heat until the water is fully absorbed (about 15 minutes).
3. Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the rice steam with the lid on for 5 more minutes.
4. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish, and serve.

How to Serve Jeera Rice

Jeera rice is a perfect side dish to serve with a variety of vegan Indian dishes. Some ideas include:

• Chana Masala
• Vegan Vegetable Kurma
• Dal Tadka
• Vegan Butter Tofu

You can also pair it with a simple salad or vegan raita for a refreshing touch.

How to Store Jeera Rice

If you have leftovers, vegan jeera rice stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This will prevent bacterial growth.

To freeze jeera rice, place the cooled rice in an airtight, freezer-friendly container. It will keep for 1–2 months. When reheating, add a little water and heat until thoroughly warm.

Tips for Making the Perfect Vegan Jeera Rice

• Choose quality rice: Use high-quality long-grain basmati rice for the best texture.
• Rinse the rice: Always rinse the rice to remove starch, ensuring fluffy results.
• Water-to-rice ratio: Stick to the 1:2 rice-to-water ratio (1 cup rice to 2 cups water) for perfectly cooked rice.
• Experiment with flavors: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try adding thinly sliced onions or vegetables during the sauté step for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Vegan jeera rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with a range of Indian meals.

Whether you’re using an Instant Pot, stovetop pressure cooker, or a regular pot, this recipe guarantees fluffy, fragrant rice every time.

The best part is it’s quick, easy, and 100% plant-based!

Frequently Asked Questions