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International » Jira Rice

Indian meals always have rice as an accompaniment. But special occasions call for Jira Rice. Made with cinnamon bark, cumin and caramelized brown sugar, with basmati rice as main ingredient, the aroma and flavor of rice has never been more tantalizing.

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Ingredients

1 cup basmati rice
2 cups water
1 tsp cumin seeds
10-12 raw almonds, halved
1½ tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter) - can substitute olive oil or coconut oil
¼ tsp garam masala
1 tsp salt
5-6 cloves
3-4 pieces cinnamon bark - can substitute cinnamon sticks

How-to

Prepare Rice

Pick through rice for stones, place rice in a large bowl and pour plenty of water over rice
Gently scrub rice. Discard milky white water and add fresh water. Repeat scrubbing and draining 2 times until water comes through clear. Soak rice in water for 10-30 minutes

Mix Ingredients & Cook

Heat ghee on medium-high heat. Add cloves and cinnamon bark. When the cloves fluff up, add cumin seeds, almonds, brown sugar and garam masala. Stir for 1 minute
Add drained rice, salt, reduce heat and stir for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Do not stir rice at all after this point. Cook partially covered for 5-7 minutes, until most of the water has evaporated. Then cover completely and cook for 3-4 more minutes on very low heat. Remove from heat but let sit for 5 minutes or so, covered, to allow rice grains to firm up
Fluff the rice gently and serve hot