For: Nitra Shajeera

Shajeera Pulao

  • Vegan
  • Indian
  • 30 min
  • Serves 4

A fragrant rice dish built on shajeera, the elongated 'royal cumin' prized for its deeper, more complex aroma than regular cumin.

04 · Spices & Masalas

Method

  1. 1

    Temper the shajeera

    Heat the ghee and fry the shajeera and other whole spices for 30 seconds until aromatic.

  2. 2

    Cook the onion

    Add the onion and cook 6 minutes until golden.

  3. 3

    Add the rice

    Stir in the drained rice for a minute to coat it.

  4. 4

    Simmer

    Add the water and salt, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer 12 minutes.

  5. 5

    Rest and serve

    Rest covered for 8 minutes, then fluff gently and serve.

Nitra tip

Shajeera is more delicate and sweeter than regular cumin seed — don't substitute it in equal quantity for ordinary jeera, as the flavour differs noticeably.