soak the basmati rice for 30 minutes and rinse the rice till the water runs clean. drain off the water and keep aside.
in a large non stick pan / kadai add a tbsp of ghee. also add cumin seeds and bay leaf. saute for a minute till they begin to splutter.
now add the soaked basmati rice.
saute on medium flame for a minute. saute it gently so that you do not break rice.
add 2 cups of water and salt to taste. always maintain the proportion of 1:2 (rice : water). close the lid and allow to cook on low flame for 20 minutes.
after 20 minutes, gently fluff the rice with a fork.
garnish with coriander leaves and serve jeera rice hot with dal fry, or dal tadka.