Cumin Rice Pilaf: One-Pot Side Dish

By Chef Liu Wei · September 30, 2026

The Power of Cumin

Tempering cumin seeds in hot oil releases their earthy, nutty aroma and transforms plain rice into something extraordinary.

Ingredients

1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp butter or ghee
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cups water or broth
Salt to taste

Steps

Heat butter in a pot, add cumin seeds until they sizzle. Fry onion until golden. Add rice, stir 1 minute. Pour in water, add salt. Bring to boil, cover, reduce to lowest heat. Cook 15 minutes without lifting lid. Rest 5 minutes, fluff with fork.

Cumin Rice Pilaf: One-Pot Side Dish

The Power of Cumin

Ingredients

Steps

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